L-3 Westwood, a leader in manufacturing equipment for naval vessels including carriers to submarines, has been helping Family & Children’s Services families in need during Holiday Assistance for the last 21 years.
Scott Gilman, L-3 production manager, is a firm believer that childhood is fleeting and that every kid deserves a Christmas. He was happy to answer some questions about L-3’s experience for the last two decades.
Q: How did L3 learn about Family & Children’s Services Holiday Assistance (Adopt-a-Family)?
A: I called Family & Children’s Services and did some research and realized this was something we wanted to be involved in.
Q: How has Adopt-a-Family changed/evolved over the years?
A: It has changed over the years. The first few years as a rookie were pretty rough. We (L-3 Westwood) used to go out and shop for the families but we don’t do that anymore. I think it’s important for the F&CS case managers to be involved in the process. I don’t want to put the pressure on them to have to take things back or exchange them. We now do gift cards so that the F&CS case managers can get exactly what the kids want/need. Along with the gift cards, we also donate dry goods and toiletries to the families.
Q: Do you have any specific memories that stand out to you?
A: We receive letters, cards, and some pictures. Last year, in particular, we received a very heartfelt letter from the mother of the family. You could tell by the way the letter was written that she was extremely grateful. In the past, we have also included disposable cameras so that the families can take pictures to send to us if they’d like.
Q: What do you want others to know about Adopt-a-Family?
A: You don’t need hundreds or thousands of dollars to help somebody out. A gas card or even a single toy is better than them waking up Christmas morning with nothing. We not only help the kids, but we also buy for the caregivers.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: I am extremely proud of L-3 Westwood, I can count on a number of people to give every year, whether it’s their time, money or both. Without them, there is no me. I couldn’t do this on my own. It has been a family here to help out the families we adopt. I love it.
