Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Hammond employees annually conduct an Adopt-A-Family program where they choose needy area residents and purchase and deliver to them Christmas gifts.
The day of delivery, which was Dec. 18, the givers first gather to celebrate, by bringing loads of gifts to the cafeteria, where they pray, reflect and sang holiday songs that mirror the giving spirit of what they have done. The program has been taking place more than 25 years. Besides employees, outside organizations also pitch in. This year 138 adults and 184 children enjoyed happier Christmas mornings, thanks to the effort.