Adopt-a-Family Project Spreads Holiday Cheer in Drive-by Gift Exchange

In the spirit of the season, the GHBA and its members partner with the Houston Housing Authority each year to support those less fortunate in our community and provide a more joyous holiday for local families. The Frank Aranza Adopt-a-Family Project is a longstanding holiday tradition for the GHBA and its members.

On December 4-5, 2020, GHBA members ‘adopted’ 40 families, totaling 144 individuals, from the Houston Housing Authority. Participating companies fulfill the Wish List of a family in need, providing children’s gifts, basic necessities like food and hygiene items and even holiday trimmings.

In addition, GHBA teamed up with HomeAid Houston and provided $6,700 in gift cards for residents of local shelters Abigail’s Place and Angel Reach. These families will receive their gift cards on December 17, just in time for Christmas.

“I am extremely honored and proud to be part of GHBA’s Frank Aranza Adopt-a-Family Project,” said Greg Tomlinson, Adopt-a-Family chairman. “This was such a crazy year and we were concerned if we could pull it off due to COVID. But this amazing committee indeed pulled it off under very adverse conditions. I would say thank you to you all, from the bottom of my heart, for all you do for this cause. We made Christmas for 40 families who otherwise would not have been able to have one. Thanks for your help and kind heart.”

“Special kudos to our GHBA leader, Peggy Means who has always been the straw that stirs our drink!” Greg added.

The event kicked off on Friday at the GHBA offices as association staff  and member volunteers wrapped gifts and organized them into bags and boxes for each of the 40 recipient families. It was a joyous day filled with socially distanced camaraderie and holiday cheer.

On Saturday, holiday “elves” met bright and early to load the truck with gifts bound for the Housing Authority of Houston. Special thanks to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery for donating the truck!

Due to the pandemic, the gift distribution was a little different this year. To ensure a safe experience for everyone involved, the event was organized as an outdoor, drive-by gift exchange at the Houston Housing Authority. Families could remain in their cars, while GHBA volunteers loaded them up with gifts and holiday cheer! A special appearance by Santa (Pat Wilson of Legends Architectural Stone) made this festive event even more special as he greeted each family in the loading area.

It was a cold morning and yet a very festive atmosphere throughout the event. “I just know that Frank was smiling down us!” said Robin Aranza, wife of the late Frank Aranza, long-time champion and namesake of the Adopt-a-Family event.

Thank you to everyone who participated. It was truly a successful weekend, with many individuals enjoying a happy holiday. We are looking forward to an even better event next year!

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