WCCA accepting applications for 2026 Shelby County Adopt-A-Family Program

SHELBY COUNTY —West Central Community Action (WCCA) is once again bringing the community together to help Shelby County families in need through its 2026 Adopt-A-Family Program.
Applications are now being accepted from households seeking assistance during the holiday season, while community members, businesses, churches and organizations are encouraged to consider sponsoring a family or making a donation.
Families interested in applying must reside in Shelby County and have children ages 18 and younger and/or seniors ages 65 and older. Households must also be eligible for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Eligibility must be verified through a current LIHEAP application or a completed Basic Intake Form accompanied by proof of income.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Dec. 1. Applications are available at the WCCA Shelby County Outreach Office, 1017 Seventh St. in Harlan. Applications can also be mailed or emailed upon request. Officials encourage families to apply early, as late applications will not be accepted.
WCCA relies on the generosity of local residents and organizations to make the Adopt-A-Family Program possible each year. Sponsors help provide children with gifts, families with warm clothing and households with assistance for holiday meals.
Those interested in sponsoring a family can select one from WCCA’s weekly published list and contact the organization to receive the family’s detailed wish list. WCCA generally recommends budgeting approximately $75 to $100 per person, although sponsors are welcome to contribute whatever amount they are comfortable with.
Monetary donations are also accepted and will be combined to assist families who are not individually sponsored. Checks can be mailed to WCCA Administrative Office, P.O. Box 709, Harlan, IA 51537. Donors are asked to include “Shelby County Christmas” in the memo line.
WCCA is especially encouraging local businesses, organizations and community groups to participate. Gift cards for teenagers and older children are also appreciated, as those age groups can sometimes be more difficult to sponsor.
Sponsors must drop off gifts on Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families will pick up their gifts on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Both gift drop-off and family pick-up will take place at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry Atrium, 1901 Hawkeye Ave. in Harlan.
Anyone needing to make special arrangements for drop-off or pick-up should contact WCCA in advance.
A current list of families seeking sponsorship is shown at right, with updated lists expected to be released weekly as additional applications are received and families are matched with sponsors.
WCCA encourages the community to take part in the annual effort to ensure more Shelby County residents can experience a brighter holiday season.

Holiday Adoption Program
Family List 2026
Household #    Household Description
1    Female-11 (Adopted by Nishnabotna           Valley REC)
2    Female-16, Female-15, Male-14, 
      Female-8 (Adopted by Anonymous)
3    Male-14 (Adopted by Nishnabotna               Valley REC)
4    Male-17, Male-13, Female-11 (Adopt             ed by Anonymous)
5    Female-11 (Adopted by Nishnabotna           Valley REC)
6    Female-10 (Adopted by Nishnabotna           Valley REC)
7    Female-5, Female-6 mos. (Adopted by           Grace Baptist Church Harlan)
8    Male-9, Male-7, Male-6, Female-1
      (Adopted by Grace Baptist Church                Harlan)
9    Male-71, Female-68
10    Male-11, Male-9, Male-7, Female-6
11    Male-10, Female-7 (Adopted by               Nishnabotna Valley REC)
12    Female-13, Female-10