FOCUS North America is on track to deliver 2,250+ backpacks to children in need across the country, generously provided by donations from 40 Orthodox parish communities!

Imagine missing school because you don’t have a backpack or even a pair of shoes. For many children experiencing homelessness and poverty in America, they don’t need to imagine. They are forced to skip school, unable to participate in sports and playground activities, and face health risks because of inadequate shoes, food, or school supplies.

This need is even greater now, in the midst of navigating a pandemic that continues to bring changes and challenges to communities and they way they approach all aspects of daily life – including education.

Thanks to our amazing community, we have been able to provide needed items and supplies for students going back to school this year, whether in person or online. John Moxen, our national program manager, helped make sure parishes could provide items needed for virtual learning .

“A couple of parishes have asked for the supplies, sans the backpacks, which have been supplemented with earbuds with microphones, because many schools are beginning the year with distance learning, and they need them for the laptops,” John shared.

We are thankful to have the flexibility to meet a variety of needs with our program. Another parish participating in Philadelphia has customized their program to provide school supplies for children as well as hygiene items for homeless families in the area.

For anyone interested in getting involved, contact John Moxen: JavaScript required to view address to see what your community can step up and do this summer!

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