Apply For Assistance
We're here to provide Christmas presents to families in Manatee County who are in financial need.
If you meet our qualifications, and if you have not applied for help at Christmas from any other agency, we encourage you to apply to Adopt A Family. You must come in person to apply during the period in November when we are open to the public. You will need to bring all of the following information with you when you apply:
Photo ID
Social Security card(s) for the person who is applying; the spouse and all eligible children or proof of legal residency in the United States, such as a work permit or green card
Proof of residency in Manatee County (utility bill, phone bill, etc.)
A current report card or progress report for all teens aged 15-18 as proof that they are attending high school
Birth certificate for each child listing parents’ names or other proof of custody
Proof of income such as pay stubs or self-employment tax returns (Note: if you are living with your spouse, parent or friend, you must have their proof of income/support when you apply.) Our income levels are tied to the current poverty levels established by the US Government.
You must bring proof of all subsidy or financial aid information including:
Food stamps
Social Security and SSI
Alimony
Child support
Any other subsidies
All of this information is included on the Information Sheet. You may print the information sheet so that you are sure you have everything you need to apply. If you are missing anything shown above, we cannot take your application.
"Wish List" Information
We’ll ask you for the grade level, clothing sizes, interests and ideas of what your child wants for Christmas. We also ask you to provide us with a working phone number in case, as often happens, we have a question about a specific size of clothing, or gift for your child.
Applications are usually taken only during the first three weeks of November. Check for our 2010 hours and dates on the Contact Us section of this website. If you have any questions, please call us at (941) 748-4424.