FAQ
Why is Rush involved in this program?
Rush staff, students and friends care about our surrounding community and look forward to helping those who are experiencing hardship (e.g., poverty, homelessness, illness, and foster care). As we focus on health equity, the holiday season is a great opportunity to address other needs and make the holidays brighter.
How are the agencies and churches selected?
Through collaboration - building community partnerships based on authentic and reciprocal engagement. Community partners require a deep understanding of the needs of all stakeholders facilitated through dialogue and ongoing communication.
How are families selected to be beneficiaries of the program?
Families who apply for adoption are enrolled in or affiliated with our West Side partner organizations and churches. This includes families that were previously/currently homeless, teen mothers, youth that have aged out of foster care, youth and adults with a wide range of disabilities, etc. Agencies and churches identify families who are in hardship situations. Once a family has been identified, a coordinator from the agency/church completes the AAF application on behalf of the family and submits it to Rush's Community Health Equity & Engagement department.
When are families available for adoption?
Families will become available October 21, 2024.
What is the last date to request a family?
The program closes on December 13, 2023. Or, when all families have been adopted.
Can we meet the family we have adopted for the holidays?
Only when making arrangements for a personal delivery. You must make arrangements with the Agency/Church coordinator which is identified in the family’s profile.
What happens once I submit the registration form?
Once you submit form, the AAF team will connect you with a family that matches your request. You will receive an email with the family’s profile and wish list.
Will we receive clothing sizes for our family?
If the family describes apparel and provides clothing sizes, yes the sizes will be included in the family’s profile.
How much should we buy for our family? Is there a spending range?
The amount spent on a family is left to the discretion of the adopting person/department/group. We suggest you use your best judgement based on your budget and the family size; however, on average, donors have spent $75 - $100 per family member.
If you’d like to adopt a family personally but don’t have that much to spend, we encourage you to recruit additional family members, friends or co-workers to donate as a group. The more the merrier! We also encourage gift cards: Aldi's, Jewel's, Pete’s, Wal-Mart, Target, Visa etc.
Can I donate used items?
We do not accept donations of used goods for this holiday program.
How should the gifts/items be delivered to families?
This year, distribution days are December 17th-19th. Gifts MUST be dropped off on the designated date and time at the Brennen Pavilion building, located at 1620 W. Harrison St, Chicago, IL. Once you request a family, you will receive your designated date and time for drop off. if you must drop off gifts outside of these dates contact AAF@rush.edu or the agency to make arrangements.
Should we wrap the gifts?
Absolutely, all gifts should be individually wrapped and labeled.
Is there a size limit on the types of gifts I can purchase?
No; however, for larger items (i.e. bed, bicycle, etc.) please contact the agency/church to make arrangements for pick up.
Can I just send gift cards?
Yes, gift cards can be an alternative to purchasing gifts.
Are my Adopt-A-Family donations tax deductible?
Yes, on an individual basis. RUSH does not provide tax deductible contribution correspondence.
All of the families have been adopted, but I still want to help. What can I do?
You can be added to the waitlist of donors. Sometimes donors availability changes and we may reach out about remaining families.
You can also volunteer during distribution days. Send an email to AAF@rush.edu.
We also accept monetary donations at this link: https://rushgiving.com/adoptafamily