NORWICH – A Norwich couple has extended their generosity this holiday season by adopting two local families for Christmas and hopes to show the community that it really is better to give than to receive.

Harold and Gloria Whiteman of Peacock Park Manor said the idea to adopt a family originated at a meeting of the Tenants’ Association several weeks ago. While thinking of ways to make this Christmas memorable, the two said they had the idea of sharing their Christmas with an outside family of greater need.

The Whitemans said they didn’t hesitate with their plan. “I understand that it’s hard just to survive,” said Harold. He went on to say that he and his wife are committed to the thought and wishes more people would do the same. “We don’t have a whole lot to share, but we share what we can ... We’re both on disability and if we can do it, I think others should be able to.”

The two originally sought the referral of only one family from Roots and Wings in hopes of doing what they can to brighten a stranger’s holiday. After getting the referral of a local mother with two little girls – one six years old and the other three – another Peacock resident told them of a local mother in a similar situation. Gloria and Harold said they didn’t shy from the opportunity to help another family.