Medical school departments can help meet neighbors’ needs

The School of Medicine is kicking off its annual Adopt-A-Family program for families in need who live in the Forest Park Southeast and Botanical Heights neighborhoods.

Staff from the Washington University Medical Center Redevelopment Corp. work with neighborhood human and social-service providers to identify and confirm eligibility of families, then compiles a list of families detailing their particular needs, such as for food, clothing or assistance with utility bills. The Dean’s Office matches families with School of Medicine departments, whose members purchase the needed items and wrap them for the family.

The wrapped gifts will be collected in mid-December by the Facilities Management Department staff.

School of Medicine departments interested in adopting a family should contact Sharon Elder at eldersh@wusm.wustl.edu before Friday, Nov. 5.

Families will be assigned to departments before the Thanksgiving holiday.