Registration open for fifth year of Adopt-a-Don program

Santa is coming soon, and the chance to ask him for help is growing short. Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Adopt-a-Don program to help students with families is evolving for the 2025 holiday season.

Entering its fifth year, the Adopt-a-Don program has raised more $40,000 in donations to buy Christmas presents for students with families, including $8,000 last year for 32 families. Along with food from the FRIENDS of the University Pantry, the gifts are bagged and handed out at the annual Jingle Jubilee dinner, which will be held Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the International Ballroom at Walb Student Union.

Curt Hosier, senior lecturer in sociology, initiated the Adopt-a-Don so that children would not have to go without during the holidays, as he and his family often did.

Students can register to participate before Oct. 24 and see the list of requirements. Those selected will be notified by Nov. 3. This year’s event is expanding to include eligible Indiana University Fort Wayne Red Foxes.

There’s also a place for those wishing to donate to participate, with suggested guidelines. An email with additional information about assigned families will be sent by Nov. 3. With a maximum of $250 per family, gifts should be dropped off at the Office of Student Success Initiatives in Walb Student Union, Room 118, no later than Dec. 1. The gifts do not need to be wrapped.

“We have broadened the requirements so it’s open to both undergrad and graduate students now,” said Giang Petroviak, director of Student Success Initiatives. “It can be just one student now, and doesn’t have to be a family, based just on having some type of financial need. Our hope is that we can continue to enhance the event and help out as many students as possible.”

The program is also inviting alumni to donate and hopes for more participation from student organizations.