The San Francisco 49ers partnered with Bill Wilson Center (BWC) for the annual Adopt-A-Family program for two days of festive fun. The Adopt-A-Family Santa's Workshop kicked things off on Dec. 21, and was followed by the Adopt-A-Family holiday party on Dec. 22. 49ers players, coaches, front office staff and their families "adopted" more than 60 families in need to purchase gifts for this holiday season.

BWC provides direct services to more than 3,500 children, youth, young adults and families in Santa Clara County through various programs that support and strengthen the community with a focus on housing, education, counseling and advocacy. BWC has the vision of preventing poverty in the next generation by connecting youth and families to education, employment, housing and positive relationships.  

To prepare for the holiday event, S Eric Reid, WR Torrey Smith, NT Mike Purcell, RB Kendall Gaskins, T/G Alex Boone, RB Shaun Draughn, G Brandon Thomas and TE Garrett Celek, along with 49ers employees, came together to wrap presents and fill overflowing baskets for the families they adopted. For players, coaches and staff members who brought their families, a holiday cookie decorating station was available to compliment the hot chocolate offered.

At the holiday party, 49ers-adopted families were presented with their gifts after sharing a festive meal with 49ers families. Smith, Purcell, Gaskins, Thomas and Boone were joined at the party by teammates WR Anquan Boldin, LB Ahmad Brooks, T Joe Staley, QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, P Bradley Pinion and T Donald Hawkins. All the families participated in fun-filled activities, such as story time with a player, photos with Santa, arts and crafts and more.

OTHER HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

On December 16, WR Torrey Smith and his wife Chanel, along with their son TJ, hosted a holiday party at Heritage Home, which provides long-term compassionate ministry for homeless, poor and abandoned women who are pregnant and have nowhere else to turn but the streets. The Smith family gathered with women and children from the Heritage Home in San Jose for dinner and fellowship while also providing gift baskets for them.

DL Quinton Dial hosted a holiday event at River of Life Family Church in San Jose on December 21 and was joined by teammate NT Ian Williams. After church service, the duo spoke with the children and gave positive reinforcement. Dial also provided dinner and presents for the over 100 local children in attendance.

S Antoine Bethea may be on injured reserve, but that hasn't stopped the 10-year veteran from remaining active off the field while rehabbing. On December 15, Bethea was at StreetCode Academy in East Palo Alto to sign autographs in exchange for donations to a toy drive put together by Live in Peace, a local group that works to empower minority youths.