As the holiday season approaches, Feed My People is once again opening its doors and its heart to the community, at both its South County and High Ridge locations, through two of its most beloved traditions: the Giving Tree and Adopt-A-Family programs. Both initiatives capture the spirit of compassion and dignity that define the organization’s mission year-round, offering families in need a chance to experience the true joy of Christmas.
“Christmas is a huge thing for us here,” says Carrie LaChance, director of operations at Feed My People. “We start gearing up as early as September to make sure every family we serve gets to experience the joy and normalcy of Christmas, whether that’s shopping in our Giving Tree room or being able to shop for their loved ones through Adopt-A-Family.”
A Tradition Built on Dignity
Feed My People’s Adopt-A-Family Program matches generous donors with local families in need, creating a personal way to give back. In the past, donors would shop for items on family wish lists, but in recent years, the program has shifted to providing gift cards and cash donations.
This change, LaChance explains, is about preserving dignity and accessibility. “Gift cards give our families the freedom to choose what’s best for them and help overcome transportation barriers since many can now shop online,” she says. “It’s also a way to make sure they can provide for their families with pride.”
The program doesn’t stop at Christmas gifts. Donors can also assist with utility payments, easing the burden of winter heating bills—a need that continues to grow each year. “The holidays are about joy and generosity,” LaChance says. “But they’re also about compassion. Helping a family keep their heat on or buying groceries is just as meaningful as putting presents under the tree.”
Feed My People expects to support hundreds of families across both the South County and High Ridge areas through the Adopt-A-Family program this year, and donor participation remains critical.
To participate, donors can fill out the online application here. The organization recommends a minimum of $50 per person adopted, with flexibility for smaller or larger families.
A Winter Wonderland for All
Just down the hall from the organization’s main offices, the South County site transforms its conference room each December into what staff lovingly call a “winter wonderland” or “Santa’s workshop.” At the High Ridge location, staff recreate that same magic by transforming the site’s garage into a festive and welcoming holiday space. Both serve as the home of the Giving Tree, an annual community-wide effort to collect new, unwrapped gifts for people of all ages.
“We deck it out with toys, games, clothes, household items—you name it,” LaChance says. “It’s a magical place. Families can come in and select gifts that bring smiles to their loved ones.”
The Giving Tree wish list includes everything from children’s toys, bikes, and board games to winter accessories, household goods, and gift cards. Donations can be dropped off directly at either Feed My People’s locations, and local groups are encouraged to organize toy or gift drives to support the effort.
Each item collected contributes to the sense of care and community that families experience when they visit.
Meeting Needs Beyond the Holidays
While the holidays are a highlight, Feed My People’s mission extends far beyond December. Through its Transformation Program, the organization helps clients address the root causes of their challenges. Participants meet one-on-one with a case manager to work through budgeting, employment, and life-skill goals, which ultimately turns short-term help into long-term stability.
“It’s about giving a hand up, not just a handout,” LaChance explains. “We want to help our clients make changes that will sustain them all year long.”
How to Get Involved
Feed My People’s programs are powered by the generosity of the St. Louis community, from individuals and families to churches, workplaces, and civic groups.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Feed My People. Those interested in adopting a family, donating to the Giving Tree, or organizing a holiday drive can visit feed-my-people.org for more information.
