We are passionate about finding ways to fulfill God's calling to love our neighbor--with special attention on the most vulnerable among us like the orphan, needy, and the poor. Each year we partner with local organizations to provide love and support to families in our community. This year, we are excited to partner once again with Ironwood Elementary School and Arizona Baptist Children Services (ABCS) to provide gifts to encourage, comfort, and bless.
Specific ways to help are listed below the description of each organization.
Arizona Baptist Children's Services (ABCS)
Arizona has 18,000 children in foster care. It is typical for a foster child to go in and out of different homes, sometimes frequently. This adjustment is understandably difficult for them. One thing that helps in the transition is having personal items all in one place, like a backpack, that they can grab and take with them wherever they go.
How it works
What we need is for families at Holy Cross to bless one or more foster child, identified on a tag, and purchase the items listed on the tag according to the child's age and gender. Items on the list will be put in a provided backpack in the welcome area at church. There will also be a list of additional items that you may put in the bag.
When do I pick up & return the bag?
Free backpacks and foster children tags will be available Sunday, December 1st and 8th only (or as supplies last). You can find the backpacks in the welcome area of the church. Someone will be present to assist you.
Fill up the backpack with the items on the foster child tag including additional or optional items. Once all items are purchased and placed in the backpack, bring it back to the church on or before December 15th and place under the Christmas tree.
Ironwood Elementray School (Marana Unified School District)
For many years, the Ironwood staff, students, and community members have extended support to families in need during the holidays. They have a number of families that are homeless and others who are referred by classroom teachers who are aware of economic hardship. The number of families in need of assistance continues to grow. We are thrilled to partner with Ironwood Elementary, a school in our Marana community and close to our hearts.
How it works
What we need is for families at Holy Cross to bless one or more child in need, identified on an ornament tag on the Christmas tree in the welcome area, and purchase the items listed on the ornament tag according to the child's age and gender.
How can I participate?
Ornament tags will be available to pick up on Sunday, December 1st and 8th only. You can find the ornament tags on the Christmas tree in the welcome area of the church. Someone will be present to assist you.
Purchase the item on the ornament tag, wrap the gift, and tape the ornament tag to the outside of the wrapped gift. Bring the wrapped gift back to the church on or before December 15th and place under the Christmas tree.