Each year during the holiday season Angel volunteers, businesses, and organizations support hundreds of military families by “adopting” them. Gifts are purchased for children and a gift card to cover their holiday meal is also included. For struggling families, the holiday help means the world. We wanted to share a few stories that recently came out about families who are being supported this year through our Adopt-A-Family program.

Army Veteran Abigail Morales: Tampa, Florida

This year has been a tough one for retired Army veteran Abigail Morales. She lost her 8-month-old son to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) earlier this year and is struggling to make ends meet supporting her three children. Thanks to our Adopt-A-Family program, she won’t have to fret about Christmas presents. Grateful to FOX 13 Tampa Bay for capturing her story.

“Losing my son has tested me in ways that no one could imagine.” – Abigail Morales

You can watch it here.

The Knight Family: Fort Carson, Colorado

Samantha Knight and her two children miss their deployed hero daily. This year will be their first Christmas without their father. Many military families live paycheck to paycheck, which makes it hard during the holiday season. Compound that with a family member deployed overseas.

“This helps a lot. I feel like my kids still get to have a Christmas. With him being deployed, it’s a lot for the kids and I think it helps them with dealing and they can kind of forget that he’s deployed because they’re busy opening presents.” – Samantha Knight

Watch the interview on KOAA News here.

Veteran Stephanie Mendez: San Antonio, Texas

Stephanie Mendez is a disabled Marine and single mom of two. She was adopted last year by an angel who provided her children with all of the gifts on their list. This year, she is grateful to have been adopted by another angel so that she can focus on getting bills paid rather than worrying about gifts.

“She gave the kids everything. Everything on their list. She asked if I needed anything else.” – Stephanie Mendez

Watch the interview on Kens 5 News here.

The impact our Adopt-A-Family program has on military families is huge. Knowing they can worry less about the demands of the holiday season makes the season a lot merrier.

We are still accepting applications for military families in need this holiday season! We have lots of Angels waiting to help. The deadline to apply is Friday, December 10th at midnight Central.

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