The Holidays Find Many Families In Need; Volunteers Of America Find A Way To Help

DETROIT (WWJ) - The holiday season is upon us -- and while many of us will celebrate with family and friends, exchanging gifts and eating plenty of great food -- others are not as fortunate.

This is where Volunteers of America Michigan's Adopt a Family program steps in to provide food, toys and clothing to families in need -- either through donations or direct adoption from individuals, companies and organizations.

One Detroit woman knows first hand how quickly fortunes can change as she went from supporting her family to not knowing how she'd find a way to have a Christmas for her children.

It seemed to be one crisis after another for Sarah Collins. She was laid-off from her job, and had two children to support reports WWJ's Chrystal Knight.

"I thought things were picking up - I had a job interview - (and) the day before I had to rush my (soon to be) husband to the hospital - and that's when we found out that he had stage four kidney cancer," she said.

The holiday season looked bleak for Sarah and her family:

"I knew I wasn't going to be able to provide a Christmas for my children that year," she said.

Until she was connected to Volunteers of America - Michigan - Adopt A Family Program.

"It's like mountains moved off my shoulders - them helping me to provide my children with a Christmas. The relief to know that people care," she said.

If you'd like to find more information about helping a family in need this holiday - click on HERE.