Guardian angels ‘adopt’ 400 local kids for Christmas

Credit: Shutterstock

Credit: Shutterstock

Nicole Switzer describes the lively crowd at United Way of the Greater Dayton Area as "sunshine in a bottle."

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That bottle was shaken up and opened Thursday when Switzer got word that a local company would "adopt" the last 28 children seeking toys as part of her agency's Greene County Christmas Assistance Program.

"We were just yelling and excited about it," Switzer, United Way's director for Greene County, said of she and about a dozen coworkers. "Whenever we ask, the community steps up."

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In all, 400 children under the age of 12 have been adopted by individuals, companies and guardian angels through the long-established program.

The company that adopted the final 28 children wished to remain anonymous, Switzer said.

Preble and Montgomery counties are also in the United Way of Greater Dayton Area’s coverage area.

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Preble County has a Christmas toy giveaway program. The Beds to Kids program in Montgomery County aims to provide 100 beds to needy children.

Switzer said children who participate in the Green County Christmas Assistance Program turn in wish lists.

Their coat, shoe and glove sizes are also provided.

“They will spoil rotten these kids,” Switzer said.

Orbital ATK in Dayton/Beavercreek went all out in sponsoring their Christmas Children that they sponsored! They adopted...

Posted by United Way of the Greater Dayton Area on Thursday, December 7, 2017

Donors provide toys and clothing for children, she said. Some even provide items for their parents.

Their parents are provided information about kid's literacy programs and the United Way's Helplink 2-1-1. That hotline help users "navigate  the local nonprofit network."

Switzer said it is all part of the effort to help more people.

“If they need Christmas assistance, they probably need something else,” she said.

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