SOUTH DEERFIELD — Thanks to the efforts of Adopt-A-Family of Franklin County and the individuals and groups that support it, 200 local families are receiving Christmas gifts, food and gift cards to provide a memorable holiday for their children.

Adopt-A-Family has been a holiday staple in Franklin County since 1981 and has supported hundreds of families throughout the decades, but, despite the long history of the program, organizer Libby Kolasinski said the emotions are still as strong as ever.

“It means a lot,” Kolasinski said. “The people that are working here, the volunteers that have done it for so long, we still cry. … You can see that people need a lot and all you want to do is help the best you can.”

Gift cards, toys, food and other items were distributed on Friday morning at the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church. Adopt-A-Family works with social service agencies in Greenfield to identify families in need.

“It’s very heartwarming,” Kolasinski said. “It gets better every year, to be honest with you.”

While families picked up their items Friday, Kolasinski said Adopt-A-Family will continue to accept donations to get a head start on next year’s program. Checks can be made out to Adopt-A-Family of Franklin County and mailed to Libby Kolasinski, 140 Russell St., Sunderland, MA 01375.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.