U.S.A., September 22, 2025
Photo: FOCUS North America
FOCUS North America (Fellowship of Orthodox Christian United to Serve) has distributed more than 15,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to children in low-income communities between 2021 and 2024, with the program continuing for the start of this school year.
The organization, which operates 11 locations nationwide, secured a $25,000 matching gift for its Back-to-School Backpacks Initiative, which ran from May 1 through September 1. Every donation made before the August 31 deadline was matched dollar-for-dollar to support the backpack program, develop new FOCUS Centers, and strengthen parish engagement, FOCUS reports.
The program addresses a critical need for children experiencing economic insecurity, poverty, and homelessness. According to FOCUS, lack of proper school supplies can negatively impact students’ self-esteem, academic performance, and attendance.
“As an expression of Christ's love, FOCUS exists to serve the poor by bringing together Orthodox Christian churches and community partners to provide Food, Occupation, Clothing, Understanding, and Shelter and other assistance to address the needs of local communities,” the organization states.
FOCUS identifies disconnection as the ultimate cause of poverty and works to address this through service opportunities that help people discover connections with Christ and their communities. The backpack program represents one way the organization provides practical assistance while building these meaningful connections.
Elizabeth Ayoub, Local Initiatives Program Coordinator, oversees the program. Groups interested in participating can contact her at eayoub@focusna.org.
The organization hasn’t yet reported how many backpacks were distributed this year.
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