Churches and Community Partners Bless Foster Children Across Arizona
This Christmas season, we have witnessed an incredible outpouring of generosity across the state to make this season extra special for ABCS foster families and clients served through the parent aide ministry. Churches, families and community partners have stepped forward in remarkable ways, reminding us once again that when God’s people come together, His love is made visible through tangible acts of compassion. As we look back on these past few weeks, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for every gift, every act of service and every heart that chose to bless children and families in foster care.
Christmas Gifts That Speak Love
In Southern Region, we have been blessed by the faithful support of Pantano Baptist Church, Church of Tubac, 22nd Street Baptist Church and El Camino Baptist Church. Their generosity and partnership have helped ensure that children and families feel cared for and remembered during this special time of year. Their commitment reflects a, Christ-centered love for those we serve.
A Christmas Celebration Still to Come
In the Southwest Region, generosity overflowed at our recent Kids Christmas Party, where we welcomed foster families and NLPC families for a joyful celebration. A total of 247 guests attended, not including volunteers, and the entire event—gifts, food, games, and activities—was fully sponsored by an amazing network of community partners. We are deeply grateful to our host church, Real Life Church and Real Life Kids Ministry, for providing the grounds, building, outdoor movie theater, crafts, games, food, and gifts that made the day so special.
Our celebration was made even brighter through the generosity of many others: Black Sheep Motorcycle Ministry for Christ – 14:23 brought Santa’s sleigh; Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church donated gifts and handmade Christmas quilts; First United Methodist Church Yuma provided gifts and gift cards; Legacy Church Yuma contributed gifts, volunteers, and games; and Freedom Baptist Church of Yuma blessed families with gifts as part of a new church partnership. We are also thankful for The Rock Christian Academy (Ms. Fromm’s class), Yuma Foothills Assembly of God for stockings and stocking stuffers, Calvary Lutheran Church and Pastor Vince for games, Chick-fil-A Yuma for donated food, Southwestern Christian School Yuma and Ms. Pulsifer for the cake walk, and Sherry Ciolek for donating 99 filled stockings. This wide range of community engagement created a fun, hope-filled Christmas celebration and beautifully reflected God’s love for the families we serve.
Generosity Overflowing
In Central Region, tremendous kindness has been shown as well. Cross Church and Vista Church each donated 75 gift cards to bless families this season. Mountain Ridge Baptist Church stepped in with 125 gifts for children in foster care, spreading joy throughout the community. Calvary Phoenix hosted a Polar Express Christmas Party, creating a memorable and magical experience for families. The Hudson family supported families through their Christmas Boutique toy and clothing drive, helping make sure children receive the items they need and the surprises they look forward to.
Blessings Across Three Counties
In Northern Arizona, churches and organizations across multiple counties have shown remarkable compassion. In Coconino County, Grace Church Flagstaff donated $1,000 in gift cards that are already being used to bless children and families, while Foster Alliance partnered with us to help provide Christmas gifts for foster children in the area. In Mohave County, Calvary Church’s small groups sponsored every ABCS foster family and purchased personalized gifts, while Lake Havasu Church contributed gift cards for additional support. In Yavapai County, Faith Bible Church donated $1,100 in gift cards to bless families now and throughout the coming year. Union Church went above and beyond by sponsoring 21 children, providing gifts for all ABCS Yavapai children as well as additional unlicensed kinship families, totaling around $10,000 in support. Heights Church partnered with Union Church to ensure that three additional unlicensed kinship families, including eleven children, were fully sponsored this Christmas.
A Unified Effort, A Lasting Impact
As we reflect on all that has been given, our hearts are full. Every church, every volunteer, every donor and every act of kindness has helped shine the light of Christ into the lives of children and families navigating foster care. Because of your generosity, Christmas is brighter, hope is stronger and families feel surrounded by love. If your church feels called to make an impact, we encourage you to explore our Church Toolbox page. It’s filled with simple, meaningful and church-friendly ways to support Arms of Love Foster Care in every season of the year. Whether it’s hosting drives, sponsoring families or engaging your congregation in ongoing acts of compassion, these resources make it easy to keep the momentum of generosity going. Together, we can ensure that vulnerable children and families experience the support, stability and hope they deserve all year long. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus this season we are so grateful for you!