County staff gave a logistical update on Polk County’s annual 'Adopt a Family' holiday program and appealed for volunteers and specific donations to fill remaining needs.

Program Manager Stephanie Gilbert said that as of the meeting there were 879 families registered, approximately 2,500–2,600 children on the list, and about 700 of those children already matched with donors. "Right now, we're at about 2,500, 2,600 kids. About 700 of those have been matched with the donor," Gilbert told the board.

Gilbert said the program has brought in about $12,000 in cash donations to help fill gaps for children who have not yet been matched with a donor. Packing will take place next week at Western Oregon University; staff will then move items to the fairgrounds on Dec. 15 for a drive‑through distribution scheduled Dec. 17.

Brent DeMoe described a vetting process used for applicants: families who receive benefits such as EDRC, SNAP, TANF or state OHP are automatically prioritized, and all applicants complete a brief written explanation of need that staff review before approving participation. He said the program also sends each family a packet that includes a dash card for distribution and a thank‑you card that donors can receive after the event.

DeMoe noted the Salvation Army and United Way as key partners; he described an in‑kind donation effort that has allowed county volunteers to sort roughly 15–20 pallets of returned or overstock retail goods for use as gifts. Staff identified a persistent gap in donations for teenage boys (roughly 14–18 years old) and encouraged donors to consider toiletries, hoodies, shoes, wallets and small tool sets.

Staff asked commissioners and the community to sign up for two‑hour volunteer shifts during packing and distribution next week; roughly 100 volunteers were already signed up. The meeting closed without further board action on the program.