KFAR RADIO News & Conversation
Pump Up The Kids: Adopt-A-Family
Since 1995 Love Inc. operated a successful program called Adopt-A-Family to enable the community to help families in need during the holidays. As you may know, Love Inc. has closed its doors, leaving the Adopt-A-Family program in need of new home. We’re proud to announce that Last Frontier Mediactive, The Radio Station, is stepping in to help fill that need.
As the holidays approach each year, a common refrain among family and friends begins popping up: “What would you like for Christmas?” For many families in our community that are experiencing hardship or going through a difficult season, this is a question that many of them don’t get to ask.
Because of any number of reasons such as loss of a job or a spouse, medical issues, or other outside circumstances, families in our community can struggle with financial insecurity and have no way of providing Christmas for their home.
At The Radio Station, we wanted to make a difference in the lives of these families. That’s why, this year we have adapted this successful program to our radio station format and have created Pump Up the Kids: Adopt-A-Family. It is a partnership between KFAR, local non-profit organizations, and local business partners who sign up to sponsor the program. Pump Up the Kids: Adopt-A-Family aims to make each Christmas memorable for these families in our community that are experiencing hardship or going through a difficult season in their lives.
How it works: Families are nominated by an approved government or nonprofit social work agency or individual, church clergy member, official caseworkers, or school counselors. The family completes a nomination form that includes a need and wish list where they are given the chance to tell us what they need and want for the holidays. Nomination Forms are returned to the Radio Station. We then reach out to our listeners and the business community asking that they come together to “adopt” these families by coming to our office at 529 5th Avenue Suite 200 downtown Fairbanks and participate in the GIFT TAG GRAB from our office window and walls (STARTING 11/10/25). Our goal is to have all the gift tags “GRABBED” by you the community and to leave our large picture window that faces 5th Avenue empty before December 1st.
As you can imagine, the wish lists cover a wide range of items. whether it be new clothes, payment to their utility account, gift cards to their favorite stores, or essential items they need. Some ask for bicycles, or electronic items like laptops, iPods, and other tools for school, entertainment, freedom, and responsibility. Our commitment is that every family receives at least one to two items from their list for each family member. Overall, for the families, the very thought that someone is thinking of them during the Holiday season and would be kind enough to buy them presents is often the most prized gift of all.
Join the generous individuals and businesses of our community to help make these families’ Christmases awesome during the 1st Annual Pump Up the Kids: Adopt-A-Family!
How do I adopt a wish list item?
Starting November 10th, simply stop in at the Radio Station at 529 5th Avenue Suite 200 downtown Fairbanks and participate in the GIFT TAG GRAB from our office.
By when do you need the gifts?
Gifts must be dropped off at our drop off location at the Cornerstone Mall 505 Old Steese Suite 117 starting Monday, December 1st. Deadline to have the gifts dropped off is Wednesday, December 17th.
Should I wrap the gifts?
No. At the time of drop-off, gifts should be unwrapped and in their original packaging, if possible. All presents must be screened before we distribute them to ensure the safety of the families.
Where do I bring the gifts?
Gifts will need to be tagged with the wish list or wish list number as assigned. Please be sure they are clearly labeled with this information and bring your gifts to:
PUMP UP THE KIDS: ADOPT-A-FAMILY Drop off Office
Cornerstone Mall 505 Old Steese Hwy Suite 117 Fairbanks, Alaska
The drop off location will be open starting Monday, December 1st. It will be open Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
When will the families receive their gifts?
All gifts will be picked up or delivered in December before Christmas.
What should I expect after adopting a wish list?
You will choose a gift tag with your adopted families wish list item(s). Most gift tags have between one large item or two or three smaller items. Some of the families may have been deprived of the most basic items that seemingly everyday things give great joy to their holiday season. Others desire the same things as any family. The wish lists often included items like shoes, coats, gift cards, art supplies, and headphones. Others ask for laptop computers, electronics, or bicycles, items that will provide tools for school, entertainment, freedom, and responsibility.
Can I know more about the family whose list I’m adopting? / May I meet the family whose list I’m adopting?
We must ensure the privacy and safety of the family we’re helping, so contact is not possible. Know that each family is extremely grateful for your generosity. Many of them will write to us via their referral organization that nominated them, saying that they normally do not receive anything during the holidays and are overjoyed. By adopting a family and participating in the GIFT TAG GRAB, you may be reminding these families that the world has not forgotten about them.
I can’t afford to adopt an entire wish list. How else may I help?
If you can’t afford to adopt a families’ entire list that’s OK! You can participate in the GIFT TAG GRAB at the Radio Station and choose a gift tag that has less expensive items listed. Gift cards are also a common request from the families and we use them to help fill out lists that are not completely fulfilled. We suggest a minimum of $25. Gift cards from local business or from places such as Fred Meyers, Safeway, Wal-Mart, Golden Valley Electric, Ulta, Zumiez, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, and others are an easy way to help us fill lists. You may bring any donations to help us fill the lists to The Radio Station at 529 5th Avenue, Suite 200 in downtown Fairbanks 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Drop Off Deadline:
Wednesday, DECEMBER 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Drop Off Location:
Pump Up The Kids: Adopt-A-Family Drop off
Cornerstone Mall 505 Old Steese Hwy, Suite 117
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Drop Off Times starting Monday, December 1st:
Monday – Friday
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thanks again for being part of this with us!