CINCINNATI, Ohio (February 11, 2022) — As Kesha Glenn discussed the gifts her family received through United Way’s Adopt-A-Family effort, she kept repeating one word: grateful.

“It definitely was a true blessing,” said the single parent of three from College Hill. “I am beyond grateful.” 

This past holiday season, United Way provided members of its Women of Tocqueville donor group with the personalized wish lists of families who could use extra support. The volunteers then shopped for items and delivered them to United Way, where faith community partners picked them up and distributed them to the families. 

The original goal was to assist 50 families, but the volunteers adopted 71. Most of them were kinship care families, in which children are in the care of relatives or close family friends. 

Kesha learned about Adopt-A-Family through her College Hill church, Consolation Baptist. At first, she was reluctant to sign up. But she agreed to participate after receiving a call from a church member.

“Ultimately, my goal is to be financially stable so I can be of assistance to people,” said Kesha, whose job focuses on the education and care of young children. “I would love to be on the other end, where I could be a blessing to someone else.” 

On Christmas Day, she placed the wrapped gifts under her family’s Christmas tree, along with items she had purchased. Her children’s reaction? “Oh, my goodness. I can’t put it into words. They were happy. That just warmed my heart.” 

Thanks to Adopt-A-Family, everyone in Kesha’s family received stylish jeans. Also, cologne and a watch for her 15-year-old son; a watch and ear buds for her 13-year-old son; clothes, hair accessories, Minnie Mouse pajamas and a potty for her 1-year-old daughter; and a bracelet and earrings for Kesha.

“Adopt-A-Family made it a complete Christmas for us,” Kesha said. Her message to the volunteer who showed love and care by shopping for them: “I’m truly grateful.”