More Than Gifts. It's The Gift of Knowing Someone Cares.
Sponsor a Family!
The United Way Adopt a Family Program connects local families with businesses, groups, and neighbors who want to make the holidays brighter. Sponsoring a family provides gifts and essentials, and it also frees up a family’s budget for rent, food, and utilities. Every gift supports a neighbor, strengthens our local economy, and brings our community together.
Sponsors will choose a family to support through our online platform, where you can view details such as clothing sizes and specific items the family has requested. Fill out the form at the bottom of this page for more donor information.
Last Day to Sponsor a Family: December 7th, 2026
Families Looking for Support
To participate in our Adopt-a-Family program, you must be referred by a Johnson or Washington County organization. If you are a Johnson or Washington County resident looking for support this holiday season, please visit our list of partnering agencies and reach out to any that have an established relationship with you. Ask if they are participating in the United Way Adopt-a-Family program this season.
To get more information on how to adopt, or how to get support, contact Raine Messamaker at Raine.messamaker@unitedwayjwc.org , or call (319) 338-7823.
Thank You 2026 Participating Referring Agencies!
This work could not be done without the time and dedication from these nonprofit organizations. These organizations work directly with families they have an established relationship with to input wish lists, coordinate gift drop-offs, and family pick ups. Thank you for all you do in our community!
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2025 Lookback: Thank you!
In 2025, 193 families of various sizes and life stages turned to this program for help. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, all 825 individuals received the support they needed to brighten their holidays. From families of 8 to aspiring artists, our community came together to help everyone, regardless of financial status, celebrate the holidays the way they want. This is the way we create magic during the holidays, and this is how we celebrate the life of our community!
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