FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ANAHEIM, CA (APRIL 3, 2011) -- FOCUS Orange County was awarded the Community of Faith Award on April 3, 2011. The honor, which was endorsed by the California State Assembly was presented at the annual Festival of Hearts Luncheon hosted by Grandma's House of Hope in Anaheim, California.

The luncheon is a way to honor community members and organizations who are making a positive impact on those in need in Anaheim.

"I was honored to accept the award on behalf of all the Orthodox churches who have united their efforts in serving the poor through FOCUS North America," Jacob Lee, Director of FOCUS OC, said. "It really is due in large part to the hard work of local priests and volunteers who are providing the momentum and energy necessary to positively impact our neediest neighbors."

Lee said FOCUS OC received the award because of its Back-to-School backpack drive for the motel kids at the beginning of the school year. Six parishes and the Los Angeles OCF participated in the drive which provided over 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to transitionally homeless children living in area motels.