This Nativity season, FOCUS Phoenix served neighbors across the city through the generosity of faithful partners, donors, and volunteers who came together to make Christ’s love visible.
Through a partnership with Living Orthodox Ministry and Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Arizona State University, FOCUS Phoenix provided backpacks to every individual served at the local parks. Each backpack was thoughtfully filled with hygiene kits, warm socks, beanies, gloves, new shoes, and other essential items—offered as tangible expressions of dignity and care during the winter months.
At the same time, FOCUS Phoenix prepared Christmas gift bags for every child living at Vista Colina Family Shelter, ensuring that each child had a gift to open on Christmas morning.
“Our hope was simple,” shared FOCUS Phoenix Center Director, Christopher Lopez. “That every child and every neighbor we served would know they are seen, loved, and not forgotten this Christmas.”
This work was made possible through the continued generosity of donors and partners, including Bombas, which donated more than 1,000 pairs of socks to support individuals in need throughout the winter.
FOCUS Phoenix was also grateful to welcome a new partner this season, Walmart, whose generous donation helped make Christmas morning especially meaningful for children at the shelter. In addition to gift bags, children received brand-new fleece blankets and LED reading lamps to support comfort, warmth, and learning.
Lopez reflected on the deeper meaning of this work, recalling a childhood experience of receiving a Christmas gift through a wish tree during a season of hardship.
“That moment stayed with me,” he shared. “It taught me what it means to be seen by someone else, and it’s a reminder of why this work matters.”
That memory came full circle this year as FOCUS Phoenix partnered with Assumption Greek Orthodox Church to create a Giving Tree of their own. Through the generosity of the parish community, every requested gift—and more—was fulfilled, allowing the FOCUS team to step into the role of Saint Nicholas for families most in need.
As the Nativity season comes to a close, FOCUS Phoenix offers heartfelt gratitude to every partner, donor, and volunteer who made this work possible and asks for continued prayers for families living in shelters and for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
“Gifts may fade,” the team reflected, “but the love of our Lord is eternal.”
