We are partnering with the Washington University Medical Center (WUMC) to aid in stabilizing the neighborhoods surrounding the Washington University Medical Campus.

The Holiday Outreach Program, also known as Adopt-a-Family, is an annual community outreach initiative coordinated by the Washington University Medical Center Redevelopment Corporation (WUMCRC) which creates meaningful opportunities for departments at WashU, BJC, and SLCH to help stabilize neighborhoods surrounding the medical campus by assisting families in need.

This year, we have adopted three local families with a goal of raising $10,000 to assist them with utilities, groceries, and more. The last day to donate is Monday, December 18!

Families participating in this program reside primarily in the Forest Park Southeast and Central West End neighborhoods, and 100% of all donations given through this program will go towards assisting participating families.

goal tracker
Total funds raised via WUMCRC as of Feb. 15: $12,174.

Meet the Families

graphic of family

Family A

Family A consists of a single mother with four children (ages 16, 13, 12, and 5). Recently affected by a job layoff, they are facing the challenges of securing new housing and transportation. Any assistance, no matter how small, can make a meaningful impact during this trying time.

graphic of famliy

Family B

Family B consists of a single mother of two children (ages 7 and 2), one of whom is courageously battling cancer. The emotional and financial toll of medical bills and treatment-related costs has placed an additional burden on this family. She would appreciate any help possible!

graphic of family

Family C

Family C consists of a single mother and her four children (ages 8, 5, and two one-year-olds) who are in need of household essentials such as bedding and clothing, as well as groceries. Additionally, a few toys for the children would bring joy to their holiday season.

  1. Make a donation through the WUMCRC’s secure portal and be sure to select “Anesthesiology” under “department or program.” We are sponsoring three families this year and by selecting “Anesthesiology,” funds raised will be equitably divided among our three families to provide groceries, clothing, and other needed supplies.
  2. Prefer to donate via check or cash? No problem! Please visit Leigh Ann Zupan, located in the Northwest Tower offices, Suite 1270. Checks can be made out to WashU Medical Center and write Adopt-a-Family and “Anesthesiology” in the memo line.
  3. WUDA-Grams: No longer available
    We are excited to introduce a new fundraising opportunity that complements our traditional donation method (#1 above): WUDA-Grams. This concept draws inspiration from the traditional candy-gram idea, and you have the option to select from three different kits. If you have any questions about WUDA-Grams, please contact Ben Swan, bswan@wustl.edu.

Other Ways to Help

  1. Tell your friends! Share a reminder at your next team meeting or print and post this handy flyer in your local break room.
  2. Check back for updates! We will be posting the Department’s progress toward our goal of $10,000 periodically.

Our 2023 Impact

Thanks to your generous support, last year we achieved our initial goal of $10,000 and ended up raising a total of $12,174! These funds allowed us to purchase everything on the wish lists for both families, in addition to gift cards to help pay for groceries!

Without your donations, these families would have had remarkably different holidays.

$12,174

Anesthesiology Raised

$57,000

Total Raised by WUMCRC

“I am so truly blessed and amazed. Thank you for all that you do.”

Receipient

Combined, the WUMCRC Holiday Outreach Program raised over $57,000 to assist 57 local families and 25 low-income senior citizens.

FAQs

How are families selected for this program?

Families participating in this program reside primarily in the Forest Park Southeast and Central West End Neighborhoods. Each year, the WUMCRC reaches out to neighborhood stakeholders (example: elementary school teachers) to identify local families in need and provide them with applications.

How much of my donation goes to support the families?

100% of donations made through the WUMCRC’s secure donation portal will go towards supporting families.

How will funds be dispersed among these three families?

The Department of Anesthesiology is sponsoring three families this year and once we’ve ensured each family is warm and safe, funds raised will be equitably divided among our three families to provide groceries, clothing, and other needed supplies.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes!

Can the department review the donations given?

No. The WUMCRC will not disclose individual charitable donation information to the department. Instead, the department will be periodically given updates on the total amount and count of donors.