More families are expected to seek help this year through Canal Winchester Human Services' Adopt a Family program, according to administrative coordinator Penny Miller.

She said approximately 300 people (a total of 66 families) were helped last year. Contributions and applications from families needing assistance are being accepted for this year's Adopt a Family program.

Miller said Canal Winchester Human Services has experienced more demand for all of its programs, including Tools for Schools and Emergency Assistance.

For example, she said she receives 12 to 15 applications per week for emergency assistance. She said it used to be 12 per year.

"The demand for everything is -- it's staggering," Miller said. "We're looking at two-income families that just are struggling. The economy has hit here the way it has everywhere. Because more people need it, that means our resources are shrinking."

Contributions to Adopt a Family can be big or small; ways to help include adopting a family or child, donating used coats and sponsoring or contributing to a gift card tree, a toy drive or a food drive.

Miller said financial contributions greatly help, too.

"Last year, 80 people didn't have people to adopt them," Miller said. "That becomes my responsibility. If they're eligible for our program and meet the guidelines, they will be served."

Adopt a Family contributions will be distributed on Dec. 17, but Miller said she will accept donations at any time, even after the holidays have ended.

"I will never turn down a contribution, no matter when it comes," she said. "Whatever excess I might end up with goes into storage for next year."

The deadline to apply for help through Adopt a Family is Dec. 4.

Information about making a donation or applying for help through Adopt a Family is available at the new Canal Winchester Human Services Web site, www.cwhumanservices.org, by phone at (614) 470-2275, or by e-mail to pmiller@cwhumanservices.org.

Financial contributions may be mailed to Canal Winchester Human Services, 22 S. Trine St., Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110.

Breakfast with Santa will aid Adopt a Family

This year's Breakfast with Santa at the Frances Steube Community Center on Dec. 12 will benefit the Adopt a Family program. The event will be catered by the Hope United Methodist Church and Faith United Methodist Church men's groups, who will donate their proceeds to the Adopt a Family program, according to a press release.

Carrie Hoover, Canal Winchester's community affairs director, said 100 tickets are available for the breakfast, which has in the past sold out ahead of time.

The event includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, orange juice, milk for children and coffee for adults. Children will get a gift bag and a visit from Santa.

The cost is $5 for children and adults. Children younger than 1 are admitted free.

Tickets are available at the community center, municipal building and Harvest Moon Caf.