While it may seem early — it’s barely November — it’s time to start planning for the holiday season. UB departments that want to help local families in need celebrate the season can take part in the university’s annual Adopt a Family initiative.

Each holiday season, the Office of Community Relations partners with several neighborhood community centers and organizations to identify families in need. Participating departments are matched with a family and provided a wish list to guide them in their holiday shopping.

Departments interested in taking part in Adopt a Family should contact Community Relations and provide the following information no later than Nov. 14:

• The number of family members your office would be comfortable providing gifts for.
• A department contact person.
• If you would prefer to leave your gifts with Community Relations to distribute or if you would like to work with the family/organization directly.
• Any requests for family background information (e.g., an international family).

Department contacts will receive information on their families by Nov. 18.

For more information, contact Dylan Steed at 829-6147 or dtsteed@buffalo.edu.