HAMILTON — Jeffrey Diver knows of a lot of parents who can't afford to buy holiday gifts for their children.

        The nonprofit community action agency he directs — Supports to Encourage Low-Income Families (SELF) — is searching for individuals, organizations or businesses to help these families this Christmas season.

        Through the Adopt-A-Family program, SELF collects Christmas wish lists from needy families and finds a sponsor for them.

        The sponsors can buy the listed gifts, or if they don't have the time to shop, they can give money to SELF to buy the gifts.

        The Adopt-A-Family program helped 23 families last year and may assist as many as 40 this year, said Mr. Diver, SELF's executive director.

        “These are low-income individuals who are not being assisted by another organization for the holidays,” he said. “There are many families like that. They would otherwise not have Christmas gifts for their children or themselves.”

        The families' wish lists usually include toys for children and practical items, such as silverware, hygiene products, cleaning supplies and baby beds, Mr. Diver said.

        “They are items that we take for granted,” he said.

        One of the families in Adopt-A-Family this year includes a mother, a father and seven children.

        When a case manager for SELF asked one of the children what he would like for Christmas, the boy said, “Nothing.” With a little prodding, he admitted he would like a remote-control car, the kind that costs about $10.

        “He didn't ask for it at first because he didn't think his father could afford it,” Mr. Diver said. “We find the requests of the families are very modest. They're not asking for the world.”

        Those interested in sponsoring a family or donating their time to help wrap presents can call Amber Mathies at 868-9300. Middletown residents can call (888) 432-7022.

        SELF would like to have all the families matched with sponsors by Nov. 30.

        If the families consent, the sponsors can deliver the gifts directly. Otherwise, SELF will present the gifts.

        The families greatly appreciate the gifts — no matter how they're delivered, Mr. Diver said. The gifts provide a tremendous emotional lift for them, he said.

        One woman being assisted by the program this year just lost her husband.

        “She's having a very difficult time,” Mr. Diver said. “This is a way for her to renew her sense of Christmas.”

Nordstrom won't build downtown after all
Kings Island sues over Son of Beast coaster
Every gift counts for those in need
Blacks say fight won't stop
Norwood school levy wins recount
SAMPLES: Of true heroism
Census report shows wages up in N.Ky.
Widow won't be charged after shooting husband
Building is reminder of Milford's history
Co-worker has fund raiser to buy wheelchair
Coal ponds pose no immediate threat, federal officials say
CROWLEY: Here's who ought to be feeling thankful today
Death penalty sought in slaying of Milford 15-year-old
Efforts yield big 'family' meal
Headaches hit travelers
Help sought for needy families on holiday
Kids off to good start
Madeira Latin teacher receives award
Man helps make feast for families
Man who tortured girl gets 55 years in prison
Murder trial to be delayed
Official: Some charges 'weak'
Police make arrest in 23-year-old slaying
Two schools, two outcomes
Wider lead prevents recount
Worker sentenced for theft from animal clinic
Kentucky News Briefs
Tristate A.M. Report