Annual Adopt-a-Family Gift Giving Opportunity

December 2022

Contact information:

Joy Jiras
240-400-0078
Annual Adopt-a-Family Gift Giving Opportunity

πŸŽ„ Ho, ho, ho! πŸŽ„

Each year, the FBI’s Portland Field Office and the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association join together to sponsor our annual Adopt-a-Family program. This year, we are partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon (BBBSCO). 

This year we are sponsoring 20 children and their families. We selected BBBSCO in honor of Angela Pastorino and Alfredo Hernandez, two 18-year-olds who were killed inside a home they were working on this summer. FBI PD Victim Specialist Erin Kevin served as Angela’s Big Sister. In Angela and Alfredo’s honor we are focusing our donations this year on older children/teens who are often overlooked in holiday giving. Several have disabilities or a homeless parent, many are struggling in school or already working to support their families financially. They all are in need of some goodness this holiday season. Our goal is to provide each person with a full set of new clothes as needed (tops, bottoms, shoes, undies, PJs, a coat, and shoes/boots.) We also strive to give each several “wishlist items” that they’ve shared with us, including items such as toys, books, games, or sports equipment.  

How it works

Each person’s full list is divided into two “ornament” tags. We try to split the clothes/toys evenly so givers have a selection of items to shop for. Givers are welcome to take one tag or both tags for each recipient. If one tag is too much, givers are welcome to go in together with friends to take a tag. Depending on the person and the needs, we expect each tag to cost about $100 (give or take), but how much you spend is really up to you. We do ask that if you take a tag, you buy at least one of everything listed on the tag.  

We also offer families food boxes and household supplies. If you wish to provide these types of items, please coordinate with Bella.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon serves the Bend, Redmond, Madras, Prineville, and La Pine areas. They are a part of the nation’s largest mentoring network solely supported by donors and volunteers. You can learn more about BBBSCO at https://www.bbbsco.org/.

Dropping off gifts

You can bring items wrapped or not. (The Elves will make sure all gifts are wrapped before delivery.) If you pre-wrap please mark each item with a sticky note so that we know what you purchased off your list prior to delivery. We try to even out families when we can (so one sibling doesn’t receive a lot more than another) or fill in the unmet needs. (Cash donations help with this effort.) With older kids, you can write “from: Your name or FBI Family or leave blank”  … with younger kids, please consider leaving the “from: “ section blank so that the parents have the option of claiming the presents as coming from them or from Santa. 

All items need to be to the office no later than Tuesday, December 13th. Alumni can drop them off at the office, or, if needed, pick up can be arranged.

Thanks!

Joy Jiras, Public Affairs Specialist


If alumni members wish to participate by "adopting" one of the participants, they may reach out to Bella Crepeaux at the FBI Portland offices, and she can help them select from the options. Bella can be reached at [hidden email].


General Giving:

Any funds received will be utilized to fill in any gaps.