Four Diamond Family Programs

Programs

“Penn” Pals

"Penn Pals" is a fun and exciting program that allows THON volunteers to interact with Four Diamonds Families just like yours! Kids can register to participate in the program during mid-October. Once registered, THON volunteers will be paired with a child, as their Penn Pal!

You do not need to be a Four Diamonds Child to participate—we want all kids to experience the joy of receiving mail!

You can register for the program through the Family Newsletter, or by emailing family.relations@thon.org

Adopt-a-Family

The Adopt-a-Family program is one of the best ways to enhance your THON experience. This program allows your family to be paired with a Penn State student organization that will “adopt” you. For many Four Diamonds Families, this program is one of their favorite parts of THON because it gives them a special connection to Penn State.  The students of the organization will remain in contact with your family throughout the year and invit you to activities and events that will connect you with the entire THON community.

During THON Weekend, the dancers from your adoptive organization will represent your family at THON, and you will be able to visit them on the floor.

The program allows families to build long-lasting relationships with their adoptive organizations. In many cases, the family and the students keep in touch throughout the entire year, not just during the school year. In many cases, the students will arrange to visit you at home or send packages and letters to your family.

You can become involved in the Adopt-a-Family program by signing up in your THON registration papers.

Family of the Week

The Family of the Week program is an initiative that can introduce your family to the THON volunteer community. We believe that each family has a unique story that will motivate THON’s volunteers and connect them with the urgency of our cause. The readers of your family’s story will benefit from the courage, honesty, wisdom, and strength that you continue to exhibit.

Every week, a new family will be introduced to our volunteers!

Do you want to be featured as the Family of the Week? Send your story to Katie Austin, Family Relations Chairperson, at family.relations@thon.org. We’d love to receive an update on your family, hear about your favorite THON memory, or anything else that you would like to share! We encourage you to send pictures as well!

“Families Helping Families”

"Families Helping Families" is a program that pairs “veteran” THON families with those families that are “new” to THON. While THON’s student volunteers want to help whenever it is possible, we want you to benefit from the support of families just like yours. 

“Veteran” families can assist your family by answering questions that you have with respect to THON related events and programs.

If you are a “veteran” family, or a new family who wants to learn more about the Families Helping Families program, please contact Sean Tucker, Family Relations Chairperson, at family.relations@thon.org.