Adopt-a-Family 2026

Help Make Christmas Magical for a Local Family!

The Lake Superior Village Youth & Family Center's Adopt-a-Family Program is back for the 2026 holiday season!

We are inviting individuals, families, businesses, churches, and community organizations to come together and help make the holidays a little brighter for local families.

Every act of generosity helps create a Christmas filled with warmth, joy, and wonderful memories!

How to Participate

·         Choose a family to adopt by December 15, 2026.

·         Shop for gifts using the family's wish list below.

·         Drop off all gifts by Tuesday, December 15, at the Lake Superior Village Youth & Family Center, 1901 Longyear Ave., Marquette, MI.

·         Short on time? We would be happy to shop on your behalf! Simply make a monetary contribution, and we will purchase gifts based on the family's wishes and needs.

Our team will organize the gifts and coordinate with participating families for our Gift Giving Day on Friday, December 18!

Meet Family JC2 — A Family of Two

This family includes two wonderful individuals with a mix of creative interests, practical needs, and wishes for a little extra comfort this Christmas. From art supplies and Pokémon cards to cozy gifts and everyday essentials, there are plenty of ways to help make their holiday season special!

Girl — Age 16

Pants: Size 3X–4X | Shirts: Size 4X (V-neck preferred) | Shoes: Size 10 Wide

This creative teen enjoys Pokémon, artistic activities, and cooking! Her Christmas wishes include a combination of fun hobbies and practical items that would make everyday tasks easier.

Christmas Wishes:

·         New utility cart for hauling groceries

·         Blackstone griddle or grill accessories

·         Pokémon trading cards

·         POSCA acrylic paint markers

·         Comfortable V-neck shirts

A special way to give: A grocery cart would be a wonderful practical gift, while art supplies and Pokémon cards would bring some extra excitement and creativity to her Christmas!

Woman — Age 46

Clothing: Size 2X (V-neck shirts preferred)

She would love a few thoughtful gifts that bring comfort, relaxation, and a little pampering to her everyday routine.

Christmas Wishes:

·         Perfume

·         Heated blanket

·         Scented candles

·         Body lotion or moisturizing gift sets

·         Gift cards to help with unexpected expenses

·         Comfortable V-neck shirts

A special way to give: A cozy blanket, favorite fragrance, or gift card would be a thoughtful way to bring a little extra comfort and peace of mind this holiday season.

Help Us Create a Vegetarian Christmas Dinner!

Along with gifts, we would love to provide this family with everything they need to enjoy a delicious, comforting vegetarian Christmas dinner together!

Suggested Food Donations:

Adopt-a-Family 2026

Help Make Christmas Magical for a Local Family!

The Lake Superior Village Youth & Family Center's Adopt-a-Family Program is back for the 2026 holiday season!

We are inviting individuals, families, businesses, churches, and community organizations to come together and help make the holidays a little brighter for local families.

Every act of generosity helps create a Christmas filled with warmth, joy, and wonderful memories!

How to Participate

·         Choose a family to adopt by December 15, 2026.

·         Shop for gifts using the family's wish list below.

·         Drop off all gifts by Tuesday, December 15, at the Lake Superior Village Youth & Family Center, 1901 Longyear Ave., Marquette, MI.

·         Short on time? We would be happy to shop on your behalf! Simply make a monetary contribution, and we will purchase gifts based on the family's wishes and needs.

Our team will organize the gifts and coordinate with participating families for our Gift Giving Day on Friday, December 18!

Meet Family IC4 — A Family of Four

This family includes a mother and her three young children, each with their own Christmas wishes! From building adventures and princess playtime to baby dolls and beloved storytime characters, there are many wonderful ways to bring some holiday magic to this family.

Mom — Age 26

Pants: Medium / Size 12 | Shirts: Large | Shoes: Size 9

Mom's Christmas wish is simple and practical. A thoughtful gift of everyday essentials would be greatly appreciated!

Christmas Wishes:

• Socks

• Comfortable everyday socks

• Warm winter socks

Boy — Age 6

Clothing: Size 6/7 or Small | Shoes: Size 1

This young builder loves creating, exploring, and using his imagination to bring new ideas to life!

Christmas Wishes:

• LEGO building sets

• Yoto audio cards

• Building blocks and construction toys

• Creative building kits

Girl — Age 3

Clothing: Size 4T | Shoes: Size 10

This little princess loves imaginative play, dolls, and all things magical!

Christmas Wishes:

• Princess-themed toys and accessories

• Magna-Tiles magnetic building sets

• Pretend tea party set

• Baby dolls and doll accessories

• Puppy-themed toys or stuffed animals

 Girl — Age 2

Clothing: Size 3T — 100% COTTON ONLY due to an allergy | Shoes: Size 6

This little one loves cuddly dolls, playful kitties, building blocks, and her favorite storytime characters!

Christmas Wishes:

• Toniebox characters (Tonies figurines)

• LEGO DUPLO building blocks

• Baby dolls and accessories

• Kitty-themed toys or stuffed animals

• 100% cotton clothing only

Important Clothing Note: Due to an allergy, all clothing purchased for this child must be 100% cotton. Please check fabric labels carefully and avoid synthetic blends.

Help Us Create a Christmas Dinner!

Along with gifts, we would love to provide this family with everything they need to enjoy a special Christmas dinner together.

Suggested Food Donations:

• Ham or turkey

• Potatoes or instant mashed potatoes

• Stuffing mix

• Gravy

• Canned vegetables

• Sweet potatoes

• Cranberry sauce

• Dinner rolls

• Macaroni and cheese

• Butter

• Dessert mixes, pies, or cookies

• Hot cocoa or holiday beverages

• Breakfast items for Christmas morning

Ready to Make a Difference?

Family Adoption Code:IC4

Please contact Regan at the Lake Superior Village Youth & Family Center to adopt this family, coordinate gifts, or arrange a contribution.

Gift Drop-Off Location:
1901 Longyear Ave., Marquette, MI

Questions: 906-458-7550

Gift Deadline: Tuesday, December 15, 2026

Together, we can help make the holidays brighter, one family at a time.

Thank you for sharing the spirit of giving and helping our community feel the magic of Christmas! ❤️

Deploy to disasters throughout the USA 

Every day, the American Red Cross sees the heartbreak of people trying to cope with more intense storms, heavier rainfall, higher temperatures, stronger hurricanes and more devastating wildfires. As more people rely on the Red Cross for help, the need for compassionate volunteers has never been greater. If you have two weeks and are motivated to help others, we want you. Multiple positions available. Contact Lee at [email protected] for more info. 

See what deployments are about: Deploying with the Red Cross

The Carter Center, founded by President Jimmy Carter, is recruiting citizen election observers across northern Michigan for the November 3 general election through the Michigan Election Observation Project.

Observers watch the voting and counting process in person and report what they see, helping build public confidence that our elections are run fairly and transparently. Observers do not take sides, interfere with election officials, or challenge voters. The role is strictly nonpartisan.

Who can serve: Any citizen who believes elections are how we should decide our future. No prior experience is needed.

Training: All observers attend one free training session:

• Saturday, October 31 in Traverse City
• Sunday, November 1 in Marquette

At training, observers sign the Carter Center’s Declaration of Principles and Code of Conduct.

To sign up, please share your:

• Which training you can attend (Traverse City or Marquette)
• Your availability (Election Day, early voting, or both)

Questions? Contact Max Bone, Regional Coordinator, at [email protected] or (248) 229-1247.

Monthly UWMC Finance/Executive Meeting

Monthly UWMC Campaign & Community Engagement Committee

Monthly UWMC Board Meeting

Help Local Families. Make a Real Difference. Become a VITA Volunteer!

You don't have to be a tax expert to make a big difference in someone's life!

Every year, hardworking individuals, families, and seniors in our community miss out on valuable tax refunds and credits simply because they need help filing their taxes.

That's where YOU come in!

United Way of Marquette County is looking for friendly, dependable volunteers to join our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, providing FREE tax preparation services to qualifying community members. Just one 3–4 hour shift per week during tax season following the training.

Why volunteer with VITA?

❤️ Make a meaningful impact. Help local residents claim refunds and tax credits that can make a real difference in paying for groceries, housing, utilities, and other essentials.

We are looking for assistants to help on Saturdays with our multiple YMCA Youth Flag Football programs. Our head coaches would love some help assisting with all of our young football players.