Delivering What Matters Most This Holiday Season

(Family Features) As families prepare for the holidays, presents and packages fill doorsteps seemingly on demand. For millions of children around the world, however, each delivery carries more than convenience – it carries purpose. For example, UNICEF continues its lifesaving work, delivering essentials like nutrition, shelter and warm clothes to children who need it most. From Sudan to Ukraine, Gaza to Malawi and beyond, the organization delivers more than just supplies – it provides a hopeful future for children around the world. When conflict unfolds, when disaster strikes or when the winter cold hits, the organization’s critical aid is never out of reach, even for the world’s hardest-to-reach children. This holiday season, give a gift that matters. With UNICEF Market and Inspired Gifts, you can bring education and lifesaving tools to children around the world. An Art Therapy Kit can give children an outlet needed to heal while a Math Classroom Kit can open doors to brighter futures. Through The K.I.N.D. Fund – now celebrating its 15th anniversary – you can support education in Malawi by providing children with desks and scholarships to help kids go beyond elementary school learning levels. You can send Essential Winter Kits – filled with clothing – to ensure children stay safe through the cold months. Every gift fuels the mission of pursuing a more equitable world for every child. These partner gift ideas also support the organization’s global work: Your Marriott Bonvoy points can protect and care for children worldwide. From Dec. 2-9, the travel company will match five points for every point members donate to philanthropic partners, up to 25 million total points. Furthermore, members who earn 50 or 75 qualifying nights in a calendar year are eligible to select UNICEF to benefit from their Annual Choice Benefit with a $100 USD donation. Learn more at giving.marriott.com. Give the gift of holiday radiance with The Serum by Clé de Peau Beauté. Whether you are treating yourself or a loved one, this gift is sure to spread some cheer. Since 2019, the brand has proudly donated $14.5 million total to UNICEF to support girls’ education and empowerment around the world. Find out how you can help unlock the power of girls at cledepeaubeaute.com. To help tackle the stigma around poor mental health and provide support for children, young people and caregivers globally, Jo Malone London will donate a minimum of 70% of the recommended retail price from each Charity Home Candle sold to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF with a commitment to raise at least $200,000 from July 1, 2025 by June 30, 2026. For more information, visit jomalone.com. Children of the world are too often at risk, exposed to conflicts, diseases and natural disasters that threaten their safety and well-being. Since 2016, Louis Vuitton has helped protect these children through its partnership with UNICEF. Each year, the brand creates a dedicated Silver Lockit collection in support of UNICEF’s work, and more than $24 million has been donated through this initiative. For 2025, a new design was created in collaboration with House Ambassador and UNICEF Korea Goodwill Ambassador Felix. Engraved with the word “DREAM,” representing every child’s right to grow, live and learn in a nurturing environment with access to education, health care and protection. For each piece purchased, $100-200 will be donated to help deliver life-saving assistance and education to children in urgent need around the world. Learn more at us.louisvuitton.com. Visit unicefusa.org/stories/delivering-vital-supplies-children-who-need-them-most to learn more and deliver what matters most to children this holiday season. SOURCE: UNICEF

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Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Holiday Assist 2025: Assistory Outreach Services Provides 400 Thanksgiving Meal Kits to South Phoenix Families

Assistory Outreach Services, led by President and CEO Jon Taylor, celebrated a major milestone at this year’s Holiday Assist event that was held on November 21, 2025, which was its third year serving the South Phoenix community with free Thanksgiving meal supplies. What started as a neighborhood-centered effort has grown into a vital annual tradition that brings relief to families facing financial challenges during the holidays.

Held at South Pointe, the 2025 Holiday Assist event successfully provided 400 families with everything needed to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal. Volunteers and corporate partners came together to ensure each family left with a complete set of essentials including:

• 1 turkey

• 1 grocery bag packed with canned goods and side dish ingredients

• 1 case of bottled water, provided through a generous donation from Niagara

Jon Taylor (through the Assistory Outreach Facebook Page) praised the community’s support, stating:

“We did it, South Pointe. We gave out 400 turkeys, 400 grocery bags, and 400 cases of water. Our goal was to give kids and their families what they needed for a Thanksgiving meal. The mission in year three was accomplished.”

Community Partnerships That Powered the Event

This year’s Holiday Assist was strengthened by a coalition of local organizations and businesses dedicated to giving back:

Spinato’s Pizzeria

Spinato’s showed up in force with volunteers who helped pack and distribute meals. Their team worked side-by-side with Assistory Outreach to ensure every family received their supplies with dignity and care.

Niagara

Niagara donated 400 cases of water, adding an essential household staple to each meal package.

Republic Services & Walmart

Both organizations offered volunteers and logistical support, contributing to the smooth delivery of the large-scale distribution.

Media Spotlight

The event drew local media attention, including coverage from NBC 12 News Phoenix, which highlighted Assistory Outreach’s continued growth and community-first mission.

A Growing Tradition of Giving

The success of Holiday Assist 2025 underscores Assistory Outreach Services’ commitment to uplifting families in tough economic times. With the help of sponsors and volunteers, Jon Taylor’s team continues to demonstrate that community, compassion, and collaboration are powerful tools for change.

“Our goal was to give kids and their families what they needed for a Thanksgiving meal.” — Jon Taylor

“The mission in year three was accomplished.”

Want to support Holiday Assist or volunteer at future events?

Visit Assistory Outreach Services online or follow them on social media to learn how you can help “Help Assist Others” year-round. https://assistoryoutreachservices.com/

Stories of Change: People Making a Difference

Discover inspiring stories of changemakers making a positive impact. Explore videos and articles of people tackling today’s biggest challenges with action and hope. Visit: https://stmdailynews.com/stories-of-change/