Saline Area Social Services has launched its 46th consecutive Adopt-a-Family campaign, and officials are expecting even greater need this year.

The program helped more than 350 clients within the Saline school district last year. SASS board member Debby Hendricks said the number of families seeking assistance has grown every year for at least the past three years, with about 20 to 25 new families each year.

Adopt-a-Family donors are asked to purchase an outfit, toy or another item for children, as well as a gift for adult family members. Hendricks said not all families have children, and there often are middle-age couples or single people who need help, too. Adopters are given information about the family so that appropriate gifts are purchased, although personal information such as names is kept private.

Organizations, local businesses, students and staff at area schools, sports teams, neighborhoods and churches often team up to "adopt" families.

Hendricks said SASS is accepting applications for families that need help until the first week of December, when collection of the gifts begins. Eligibility requirements for assistance from the Adopt-a-Family program are proof of residency within the school district and having a gross monthly income of no more than $1,670 for one person, adding $577 for each additional person in the household, according to SASS.

If you think you qualify for the program and would like help, visit www.salinesocialservice.com or call 734-429-4570.

SASS is asking donors to bring the gifts with boxes and wrapping paper to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 122 W. Michigan Avenue in Saline, from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 or from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5. Clients then pick up their gifts later in the week.

Monetary donations also are accepted. To donate, send mail to SASS, P.O. Box 404, Saline, MI 48176, marked “Holiday Adopt-a-Family.” SASS says that all donations exceeding the holiday program's goal will be used to help clients throughout the year.

For information on how to adopt a family or get involved in the program, contact Adopt-a-Family chairwoman Linda Duvall at lindaduvall768@yahoo.com or 734-429-9301. Visit Saline Area Social Services online at www.salinesocialservice.com.