RENO — The Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation had an incredible December with the annual Adopt-A-Family program. This Christmas, 33 sponsors donated more than $18,000 worth of presents to families with children who are currently in their first year of diagnosis.

“Many hugs, expressions of gratitude and tears of thankfulness when families received their gifts,” Leslie Katich, NNCCF Director of Programs and Services, said. NNCCF coordinates all efforts between the families and generous sponsors. Sponsors include local businesses, individuals and other families. NNCCF collects specific wish lists from the families, which gives the sponsors the opportunity to shop for a great Christmas for these families. Katich said sponsors work very hard to provide families with beautiful and thoughtful gifts. They always go above and beyond in their efforts.

“Adopt-A-Family is one of NNCCF’s most heartwarming programs,” Katich said. “It comes during the first year of diagnosis, when a family is struggling to grasp their child’s diagnosis. When I let them know that we would like to ‘adopt’ them for the Holidays, the response is always a very emotional one. Delivering gifts to the families is something we look forward to every year.”