Not Forgotten Christmas

HOME // CHRISTMAS 2025

Ensuring No Teen is Forgotten This Holiday

The holiday season is often a time of joy and togetherness. But for many survivors of domestic violence and their families, it can also bring added financial strains. At the close of the year, we recognize these pressures, which should be a time of warmth and celebration for all. For this reason, we intentionally adopt families whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence. It's our way of letting them know they're not alone and they are not forgotten.

This annual outreach provides gifts and support to teens and families impacted by domestic violence.

The Strike Against Domestic Violence Bowling Tournament powers this program. Every entry, raffle, and sponsorship goes directly to adopting families through Not Forgotten Christmas.

OVERVIEW

How it Works

Teens and Families Names Submitted through shelters, schools, and partners.
Adopted by Donors – donors receive wish lists and shop for families or donate toward their gifts.
Gifts Delivered – families receive wrapped gifts with love and care.

Adopt a Family

Sponsor the Program

WHY IT MATTERS

Health & Wellness Outcomes

Stress Relief - Parents / Caregivers report reduced stress and increased relief during holidays, thereby decreasing their toxic stress load.
Mental Health & Hope - Teens express happiness, surprise, and a sense of belonging, which supports resilience after trauma.
Family Bonding - Families creating positive holiday memories, strengthening parent–child attachment.
Service Connection - Families stay engaged with D.O.V.E.S. Network ® prevention and empowerment programs.
Community Wellness - Strike Against Domestic Violence Bowling Tournament reduces stigma around domestic violence and mobilizes community support.

IMPACT SNAPSHOT

SINCE WE BEGAN IN 2020

2020 - +200 Teens in Shelters Across the Phoenix Valley Adopted & in the City of Maricopa.
2021 - 10 strategic teens in foster care adopted at Maricopa High School and another 20 at Hope Women's Center - Maricopa.
2022 - Seven teens at Maricopa High School, four teens at Betty Fairfax High School, and 20 teens at Hope Women's Center - Maricopa adopted.
2023 - 20 families adopted | $1,030 raised through Strike Against Domestic Violence Bowling Tournament + $5,000 Grant Given by Woman Evolve
2024 - 36 families adopted | $1,131 raised through Strike Against Domestic Violence Bowling Tournament
2025 Goal: 50 families adopted
Average Participation - 100–120 bowlers, sponsors, raffle donors, fueling adoptions

FEEDBACK

What Families Say

“My kids were so excited and happy with every gift they opened. My teenager, who doesn’t show emotions often, was surprised she received so many gifts. To see that huge smile on her face was the best part.”
“May God BLESS you all. The kindness, generosity and love… knowing my babies would receive gifts without me having to struggle… is priceless.”
“My kids said they got everything they wanted and more. The most memorable thing from this Christmas was being able to explain how God put us in the right path to be blessed.”
“The most memorable part of seeing their expressions was that of feeling blessed beyond measure, because I wasn't able to purchase any gifts for them this year. But God… has blessed my family through your work, generosity and kindness.”
“They were very excited to see the gifts under the tree. They did receive a lot of what they liked and their smiles said it all. Seeing that made me happy as well.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my gift tax-deductible?
- Yes
How are families selected?
- Families participating in our program and receiving our services are selected.
- Partnerships with our community organizations, such as shelters and direct service providers, send submissions.
Is my information given to the families?
- No, once you adopt the family, we will email the family, letting them know they are adopted.
Can I contact the families?
- We do not supply family addresses and/or contact information due to the nature of fleeing a life of violence.
I see what's on the wish list, but I want to use this to shop for something else, can I? -
- Yes. Just mail it to the below address.
I prefer to shop; where do I mail the donations?

DOVES Network

C/O Tiffany Mensah

20987 N. John Wayne Pkwy

B104-369

Maricopa, AZ 85139

Use a trackable mail delivery service to ensure the packages are received on time. The earlier, the better to send the packages because of the holiday rush at the post office.

I want to donate instead; where do I go?
- PayPal >>>>>>>>>>>
- Venmo @DOVESNetwork

Thank you for answering the call of generosity this season!