Christmastime is a time full of happiness, joy and giving. It gives individuals time to reflect on what they are thankful for and gives them the ability to spread a little holiday cheer. During this time, many charities collect money to help those in need during the season. One of these charities is the FHN Adopt-a-Family program hosted by FHN every year. 

“I think there’s enough need out there,” administrative assistant Arlene Kearns said. “People tend to pick things they have an interest in. There’s always a need, always a way.”

Kearns has been running the program every holiday season since 2004, when the idea was sparked from two boys and a car. 

“The first year that we started it we knew that there were two boys living in a car,” said Kearns. “We knew there were a lot of things they were gonna need.”

The charity process involves not just Kearns but other people as well. Kearns contacts other teachers, staff members and clubs and asks for recommendations for families in need. Kearns then contacts the family, asks what they need, then asks for donations from clubs and other people. Once donations come in, she goes out and buys what is needed for the family. 

“Different families can use help for different reasons,” said Kearns. “It’s not always financial, sometimes it helps take the burden off the family. It gives them one less thing they have to concentrate or worry about.”

Kearns isn’t the only person that enjoys what she does. School counselor Lisa Woodrum expresses her love for the charity as well. 

“It’s one of my favorite events,” said Woodrum. “It’s personal so it makes your own heart and your own care for people grow even more to be able to help.”

To both Woodrum and Kearns, doing the charity is something they will enjoy for years to come; the thought of knowing they helped out another family is all the reward they need for being a part of something like the charity at school.

“There’s a lot of satisfaction from it,” said Kearns. “It just feels good to know that you’ve helped other families and parents.”