This holiday season, FIRM has seen an increasing need in the refugee families we serve. Many families struggle being able to have enough food each day and simply are challenged to provide even the most basic needs for themselves and their children. Through several key partnerships, FIRM has been able to help make the holidays a little bit brighter for some of the families we serve. We are grateful to our partners and to being able to see the smiles on the faces of those we have been able to serve. Here is some of the holiday outreach we have been able to do this year:
- Through a partnership with the Hmong-American Harvest Church, we were able to donate 15 turkeys to refugee families for Thanksgiving.
- Through a partnership with the Asian Social Work Organization at Fresno State University, we were able to provide 30 additional families with food baskets for Thanksgiving (see picture).
- Through a partnership with Toys for Tots, United Japanese Christian Church, The Presbyterian Women of University Presbyterian Church and many more individuals and organizations, we will be giving out nearly 500 gifts to refugee children along with hosting a Christmas party for the 600-800 guests who will attend.
While this year, we have been able to meet many needs, we look forward to doing even more next holiday season! Our Christmas Party is on Saturday, December 13 from 10 AM-2 PM and we would love to have you join us for a great time of holiday entertainment, lunch, pictures with Santa, a nativity play, hot chocolate and much more! If you can volunteer to help this event be a success or help us by donating gifts, cookies or funds, please email Zachary Darrah.