Receiving a basket with toys and gifts may seem ideal for a family adopted by an organization during the holiday season, but there are some families that prefer the necessities. Kristen Brown and her family found this out after starting the Gifts That Give program in 2010.

“We used to pick names off the Christmas tree at our church, Ginghamsburg United Methodist, but then we decided to adopt our own families, so we used social media to ask friends and family for referrals,” said Brown, who is joined in this effort by parents, Lisa and Charlie Brown, of Vandalia and her siblings, Kara Brown Boesenberg, Jordan Brown and Josh Brown.

The families helped by Gifts That Give are mostly younger families impacted by a medical illness that left them impoverished or the break-up of a family unit. They didn’t expect a handout and in most cases hadn’t received any and were frequently brought to tears at the kindness displayed by Brown and her family.

“It’s really hard out there now, even for people who have college degrees,” said Brown, who manages Pure Couture Bridal & Prom in Miami Township. “Some people just have bad luck like a medical problem. Even if they have medical insurance they can barely make it. They need the necessities like warm clothes, socks, food and gas cards. We try to get some toys for the children, but parents ask for the basics.”

The Brown family began by helping three families, but that number has gradually grown to 10, so the family is now asking the public for donations of bedding products, non-perishable food, money, gift cards and unwrapped clothing and toys. Deadline to donate is Dec. 20. Prior to delivery, the gifts are wrapped.

“I think it’s really neat that people, who don’t even know our family that well are donating out of the kindness of their hearts,” said Jordan Brown.