With two little girls at home and a not-so-bright Christmas on the horizon, Erin Kneebone’s family was rescued for the holidays Thursday by the annual Women of Worth family adoption program.

The young Nevada County woman’s clan was one of about 150 families, surviving financial need or abuse and trying to get back on their feet, who were chosen by the nonprofit to receive gifts after a thorough screening process.

"This means a lot," Kneebone said. "My youngest just had surgery, and without this, we wouldn’t have had a lot this year. Times are really tough for everybody."

Volunteer Karrie Misley knows all about it. She used to be a client of Women of Worth until she left an abusive relationship.

"I do this to heal and to give back to Women of Worth," Misley said. "They helped me survive after leaving domestic violence."

Now in her second year of volunteering at the group’s Ho Ho Ho Holiday outreach program, Misley has lived free of violence for five years.

"It’s been a long journey," she said, with some added words for those who might be going through domestic violence.

"If you’re being abused, tell someone, or if you have a loved one who is being abused, say something," Misley said. "It could be that little spark that helps them."

Times are tight for Dena Sands and her four children, who will celebrate a Christmas with more prosperity than she had expected, thanks to the group’s giveaway at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

"This means the kids get a good Christmas," Sands said.

Those words warmed Women of Worth founder Sandy Schmidt, who was overseeing the Ho Ho Ho program for the seventh year.

"There’s a great need in the community, especially with the economy," said Schmidt, who started the group after escaping abuse herself. This year, the program tripled the number people it reached, she added.

"A lot of families have lost their homes or jobs, and they are good people living in shelters, motels and apartments," Schmidt said. "We want to show them someone cares."

The family selection process is thorough to screen out those who would take advantage of the program, Schmidt said.

"We’re all-volunteer," Schmidt said. "Our secret angels adopt the families, and we give them information on what little Johnny and Susie like and what their favorite colors are."

Besides the Ho Ho Ho program, WOW also gives out gift baskets for Valentine’s Day, backpacks and school supplies for students every fall, stuffed animals for children in crisis, and clothes year-round.

WOW is supported entirely by gifts and does not received any government funding. Services include shelter, furniture and household items, transportation, education and career aid, mentoring and referrals for counseling and legal help.

To contact Senior Staff Writer Dave Moller, e-mail dmoller@theunion.com or call 477-4237.