Adopt-a-Don
Office of Student Success Initiatives
A time for giving.
Adopt-a-Don or a Fox, as we annually partner with IU Fort Wayne, is a charitable project that assists selected students and their families during the holiday season. We ask our faculty, staff, campus departments, and/or student organizations to “adopt” our students and their families for the upcoming holiday season. This project assists with toys, clothing, and household needs for selected families. If you are not able to adopt a family but would like to donate to the holiday project, please click the "Give Today" button below.
Program Criteria
To qualify as an adoptable family you must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in at least six credit hours at Purdue Fort Wayne (or Indiana University Fort Wayne)
- Show a need via your financial aid information
- Be in good standing with the university and not facing academic probation
Registration for the 2026 holiday season is now open! Click on the link below to register. Registration will close on Friday, October 30, 2026.
How Adopt-a-Don
and Adopt-a-Fox Works
The following steps walk through the full process.
Registration for adopters is now open
PFW and IUFW faculty, staff, campus departments, and/or student organizations can register to adopt a family by clicking here. The registration deadline is Friday, October 30.
Students apply for selection beginning on Monday, October 5
Current PFW and IUFW students interested in being adopted this holiday season can register by clicking here. The registration deadline is Friday, October 30.
Committee meets to vet students and assign adopters
Selected students will be notified via email by Friday, November 6. Adopters will be notified of their student(s) by Friday, November 6 as well.
Gifts and items are donated
Deliver the gifts to the Office of Student Success Initiatives in Walb, Room 118 by Tuesday, December 1.
Gift distribution and holiday party
Selected students can pick up gifts during our annual Jingle Jubilee holiday party on Saturday, December 5, 5–7 p.m., in the International Ballroom. RSVP to the event at [email protected]
Committee Members
Alexandra Backer
Mikayla Haggarty
Ashley Malone
Av Gehlhausen
Suzanna Harrigan
Curt Hosier
Spencer Haber
Bobbi Jenks
Rhea Karam
Brandon Kuntz
Giang Petroviak
Sharon Roberts