The employees of H.J. Martin and Son have banded together to provide two Northeast Wisconsin families with the Christmas they otherwise would not be able to afford. Teaming with House of Hope, a shelter for women ages 18-24 who are homeless and either pregnant or parenting, the company coordinated the Adopt A Family effort.

Lists of needs for each of the two families were hung in the lunch room at H.J. Martin’s locations in Green Bay and Neenah, Wis.

The list of Family One included everyday clothing items for a mother, 22, and two children, along with family board games and movies, household items, books, craft and art supplies, a skateboard, Lego blocks and bath toys.

Family Two consisted of a 19-year old mother and baby due in mid-February 2016. Beyond everyday clothing and household items for the expectant mom, their list was made up primarily of baby items such as a car seat, a bouncer seat, an infant tub, infant toys, an infant snowsuit and other newborn clothing.

The company-wide, community initiative began in early November. H.J. Martin employees could donate new gifts for wrapping, gently used items or cash. Even a small monetary donation was welcomed, with the cash utilized to purchase any list items not received.

“Our employees really are to be applauded for the way they stepped up to provide these two in-need families with a Christmas that otherwise would have been impossible for them,” says Nicole Jensky, director of marketing for H.J. Martin. “No matter the contribution, it helped to impact the lives of a pair of young mothers in our community and their children.”

On Dec. 14, the vast majority of items on the two families’ lists were delivered by H.J. Martin staff in time for distribution at Christmas. Shannon Wienandt, director of House of Hope, and case managers for the shelter were delighted to receive the treasure trove of gifts.

“We can’t thank the employees of H.J. Martin enough,” says Wienandt. “You hear the phrase, ‘Making a difference’ all of the time – this truly is making a difference for two of the homeless families we serve. We were absolutely delighted to receive all of the gifts and to be able to make Christmas special, especially for the children to whom it means so much.”

House of Hope is a Green Bay-based, non-profit organization that provides programming, services and shelter to homeless women, ages 18-24 who are pregnant or parenting, and their children.