Number of Participants: 400
Hours Donated: 2
Value of Time Served: $6,760
Event Type: Poverty & Homelessness
Sport: Schools
School: Columbia High School
Date: December 19, 2024
Location:
Columbia High School
Luther Road, East Greenbush
NY
About:
The spirit of giving is alive and well in the East Greenbush Central School District, as faculty, staff, students, and families once again come together for the annual Adopt a Family program. This meaningful initiative ensures that local families in need receive holiday gifts, spreading joy and support throughout the community.
On Wednesday, the Columbia High School wrestling room was filled with brightly wrapped boxes and gift bags, containing toys, clothing, books, bicycles, and more—all generously donated by the school community. This annual project, which provides Christmas presents to families referred by social workers and school counselors, continues to make a significant impact.
This year, the program is supporting 37 families, including 152 children across the district.
“I just want to say thank you to all of the staff, families, community members, school clubs, and sports teams who continually support our program and purchase thousands of gifts so others can enjoy a happy holiday,” said Columbia Social Worker Audra Di Bacco, who leads the Adopt a Family program. “The program would not be successful without all of them.”
In addition to her role as a social worker, Di Bacco also serves as Columbia’s Unified Basketball Coach. The athletic department and sports teams remain actively involved in the program, contributing donations, assisting with organization, and helping social workers prepare and distribute gifts. However, this initiative is truly a collaborative effort, with support from faculty, staff, student clubs, and the broader community all coming together to make the holidays brighter for those in need.
