Volunteers prepare Adopt-A-Family Gift Room ahead of Wednesday opening

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Volunteers worked on setting up the Adopt-A-Family Gift Room on Monday, and will continue efforts into Tuesday to prepare for visitors.

The room is set to open on Wednesday. Until then, families will be contacted over the next few days to schedule an appointment to browse through the gift room.

Nichi Seckinger, the AFL-CIO's executive director, said the gift room usually has a big supply of items going into the year; however, the agency has seen an increase in applicants.

"We're kind of going through more and more each year, and cutting more and more into that back inventory," she said. "So getting more items in is always going to be helpful, especially when our numbers creep over 800. We just don't get as many donations to carry it. So we've been low for a couple of years compared to what we normally have in back inventory."

Seckinger said the gift room has a wide array of items for families to go through, specifically clothing.

"This year, we have a lot of clothing and a lot more clothing than we normally have had in the past. So we're really hoping that will help out those families quite a bit," she said.

Seckinger also said the agency is seeing more toys coming in for the gift room, but is still looking for items to satisfy gifts for teens.

"That's the hardest to get for kids and figure out what they want and what can be used for them," she said.

According to Seckinger, the easiest thing for the community to donate would be stocking stuffers.

"A great way to grab some items and throw them in a bag, and bring them in, and we will definitely make those as well," she said. "It's a pretty affordable donation to make, and how much you would have to spend."

Seckinger said they feel pretty good about how the Adopt-A-Family process is going so far, as Christmas approaches.

"The way it's coming together and we're really excited for some of the families to see the new gift room and, we have so much more room now, and I think it'll make it easier for them to go through and make it much easier for them to see the different items," she said. "Hopefully, it will be a lot easier for them to find it in our new setup. So we're excited about that and we're hoping it works better for our families."

As the holidays approach, the agency is still seeking adopters and donations for local families.

Monetary donations can be made through the agency's website or by phone at 816-364-1131 using a credit or debit card.

All monetary donations will be used to purchase gift cards and food vouchers to help supplement families who aren't chosen for public adoption.

AFL-CIO Community Services, located at 1203 N. Sixth St., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20.

Community members interested in adopting can call the AFL-CIO's number or email adopt@helpmenow.org.