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Philadelphia Non-Profit Needs Help Adopting Familes To Assist During Holidays

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia non-profit that helps those in need adopted four families to help this Christmas. But they have nearly two dozen additional families on a waiting list.

ABC Men, Inc. is a group that helps seniors, the disabled and children in need. Every year for the past four, they've adopted families to assist during the holiday season, but this year, the group has seen a drastic increase in requests.

"We are receiving requests weekly," said founder Jackie Wleh, "We just don't know how to help these folks."

Wleh said their Adopt a Family program uses donations to purchase gifts for families in need, but they need sponsors to donate $50 per person to fulfill family wish lists.

"My family needs help this Christmas because I was robbed," said Bonnie of Mayfair.

Bonnie is a mother of three boys. She spent the day at Philadelphia's Criminal Justice Center testifying against the alleged suspects who attacked her and stole her money and gift cards for the holidays.

"It took me more than half the year to save up that money for Christmas," she said. "(So) anything helps."

ABC Men stepped in to help and provided a $50 donation for each member of Bonnie's family. But they're hoping the community steps up so they can give more.

Click here for details on how to help: 

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