As the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels' Adopt-A-Family program prepares to make deliveries of food, clothing and other essentials to nearly 300 needy families Dec. 17, the outpouring of generosity from people, parishes and schools in the archdiocese is "overwhelming," says coordinator Lydia Gamboa.

"It is absolutely incredible," Gamboa said this week from the Cathedral where she was coordinating the assembling of gift baskets from donations that were still arriving for distribution this weekend. "This has been the most amazing year we've ever had for receiving donations. People are coming to drop off all kinds of items --- anything from brand new dolls to food and monetary donations. I really am thrilled at how the people of our local church have responded to so much need."

Canned and/or boxed foods, new clothing, school supplies, blankets, furniture and toys are among the items most desired. Cash contributions are also welcome to assist families, some of whose stories are described below.

For information on donations or assisting as a volunteer, contact Lydia Gamboa, (213) 637-7501, or visit www.olacathedral.org, and click on the Adopt-A-Family link on the home page.

Family C-05: Jose and his family live in a one-room apartment, in a building located in the heart of skid row. Jose is a day laborer hoping one day to have a fulltime job to take care of his wife and two daughters, and move into a safer neighborhood. Jose and his wife are very humble; they told us that they do not need anything, but asked if we could bring new shoes for his daughters. When asked what shoe size, they did not know since they have never bought new shoes for them. A gift certificate for shoes would be a blessing for these two girls to go out and buy shoes for Christmas.

Family C-15: For this single Mom living in the downtown area with four boys has been extremely difficult. She works hard to keep her boys out of all the bad elements (gangs and drugs) that are everywhere in the apartment building and downtown. She is very proud that her boys are all good students at school and involved in their local church. The boys have requested backpacks and school supplies and a jacket for their Mom.

Family C-34: Due to an injury at work, Jesus lost his job last September, and it has been a struggle to provide for his wife and three children. Keeping food on the table and a place to live has been a priority for this family. Having to move to this very small apartment has been a change for the entire family, but with their faith they believe things will get better. They asked for a heater for their apartment and sleeping bags for the children to sleep on.

Family C-66: When we arrived at the apartment of the Romero family in late October, it was so warm you would have thought it was summer. The only window in their small (12-by-12) room was broken, and they are unable to open it for ventilation. The mother told us that there is no heating system in the very large apartment complex that they live in. With the winter coming, she was very concerned about keeping warm and asked if we could bring sweatshirts and sweatpants for her four children.