To give a gift to one person for the holidays is a blessed deed, but imagine being able to give to an entire family for the holidays.

Macomb Township's Gardner White is one of many locations teaming up with Volunteers of America in the "Adopt-A-Family" program, designed to spread holiday cheer this season to whole families in need.

VOA reaches nationwide to aid hundreds of communities and millions of families through human service programs just like this one.

This holiday season, Gardner White acts as a joy station of sorts, promoting the cause to the community via related holiday decorations and spirits.

For instance, the ornaments decorating the store's tree feature family demographic descriptions to represent the different make-ups of recipients and prove that donations of all sizes can find a fitting place.

The deadline to apply as or on behalf of a family was in September and an overwhelming 9,760 families applied. The event launched just before Thanksgiving, on Nov. 18, but the opportunity to sponsor a family remains open.

"As long as there are sponsors, we will work up until Christmas Eve," said Erica Medvinsky, development associate for VOA.

There are two ways to go about donating to the cause. People can directly adopt a family by requesting a household with a certain amount of children. Upon receiving the family's contact information the sponsor then calls the family to set up a date to meet, greet and unwrap presents.

Giving a cash donation is also an option by going online to voami.org. VOA will then use the donations to shop with retailers for toys and clothing and then set up a store in the office and invite families to come do a little holiday shopping of their own.

• $20 provides a toy for a child
• $30 provides warm winter clothing for a child
• $50 provides Christmas dinner for a family
• $150 provides an entire Christmas experience for a family of four

"The Adopt A Family program's mission is to serve families in need in our community and give people the opportunity to experience the joy of serving others," Medvinsky said.

Fox 2 and WNIC are both co-sponsors of "Adopt-A-Family." On Nov. 27, Fox 2 News Reporter Jay Towers visited the Macomb Township Gardner White location to make a public service announcement for this ongoing event.

In southeast Michigan, residents can also support the "Adopt-A-Senior" program and adopt in honor or in remembrance of a loved one. Just as with adopting a family, donations can be made directly or online.

An $85 donation provides a fruit basket and holiday treat for a senior citizen.

During this holiday season, and all seasons, small acts of kindness carry large amounts of impact. Just as Gardner White and Volunteers of America have joined hands, all in the community can do the same to make this holiday even greater than the last.

Call (248)-353-4862 for more information.