At Congenius, our passion is to help people. Typically, that means providing valuable solutions to the problems everyday companies face, whether it’s with technology, strategy, branding, or product development. However, one of the ongoing missions of Congenius is to extend our reach beyond the international companies we work with and into our local communities. Every holiday season, we are humbled to be able to work with the Arizona chapter of the nonprofit Los Ojos De La Familia, and with 2020 being an extraordinarily difficult year for many families, we are especially proud to continue our efforts and make this year better than ever.
Los Ojos De La Familia Arizona
Los Ojos de la Familia was founded in December of 2009 by local business professionals in New Mexico who shared the passion and desire to give back to their local community. In 2017, the organization expanded its reach to Arizona, and Sean, Managing Partner for Congenius, is proud to serve on the Board of Directors. As a grassroots movement focused on making a difference in the Phoenix metro community, Los Ojos de la Familia Arizona partners with organizations such as New Leaf, Habitat for Humanity, the Arizona Burn Center, Several School Districts, and local Boys & Girls Clubs to provide educational development and quality of life assistance to children and families. 100% of every dollar raised goes to the community, with the only expenses being bank fees and credit card charges. Los Ojos does not pay salaries to any members nor do they have traditional overhead like many 501(c)3 charities do.
Los Ojos de la Familia Arizona’s signature event is their Holiday Basket event, and in 2018, with help from the community, 150 families in Arizona (over 580 families across the two states!) were gifted meals, household goods, and toys for the holidays. In 2019, Los Ojos de la Familia Arizona helped 265 Phoenix-area families who were provided with a 70 pound basket of food and household supplies, as well as two brand new toys for each child under the age of 18.
In 2020, Covid-19 has forced Los Ojos De La Familia to pivot a bit in the structure of the event, however, the organization is committed in pushing to do their best to support families this year. Despite the challenges, Los Ojos has committed to supporting 300 families with food and toys! Achieving this goal will provide 21,000 meals for families and toys for nearly 1,000 children, and Congenius is extraordinarily proud to be part of those efforts!
Here is a list of all of the wonderful organizations and schools Los Ojos has partnered with this year to get aid to families that are in need now and throughout the year. The need for this assistance is greater than ever before, and Los Ojos is doing all they can as an organization to do their part.
- A New Leaf
- Alhambra Elementary
- Arizona Burn Foundation
- AZCEND
- Chandler Online Academy
- Conley Elementary
- Cordova Elementary
- Frye Elementary
- Galveston Elementary
- Habitat for Humanity
- Hartford Elementary
- National Advocacy & Training Network
- PESD #1
- San Marcos Elementary
- St. Patrick’s Church
- St. Matthews Catholic School
- SUSD
- Val Vista Elementary
- Valleywise Health
- Wilson Community Center
- Wilson Elementary School.
Congenius is Committed to Serving Communities
This holiday season, Congenius is ecstatic to donate $2,000 to Los Ojos De La Familia Arizona, and the Geniuses of Congenius, led by Managing Partner and Founder Sean Miller, who proudly serves on the board of Los Ojos De La Familia Arizona, are excited to volunteer at the events once again.
If you would like to play an active role in the effort of bettering our community and benefitting deserving families, please consider joining our efforts by donating goods, money, or your time. Please visit https://losojosdelafamiliaaz.org for more information and/or register to volunteer at any of the upcoming events. All volunteer opportunities begin at Magnum Precision Machines located at 4848 S. 35th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040. Please note that because of social distancing guidelines, volunteer spots are limited, and all CDC and state guidelines will be followed to keep everyone safe and healthy.
In lieu of the traditional toy drive, you can make a PayPal Donation or shop the Amazon Wish List. If shopping via Amazon, please be sure to choose the “Magnum Precision Machines Los Ojos” as the delivery address upon checking out. It will be in the dropdown of delivery addresses.
If you would like to volunteer at one of the upcoming events, please visit this link to fill out the Google form:
- Friday, December 18th, 9am – 12pm- Basket Preparation: Volunteers can sign up for 1 hour time slots to work in teams to pack baskets that are distributed to families. Participation requires lifting and bending.
- Saturday, December 19, 8am – 11am – De 0livery Day! Volunteers will be responsible for loading and unloading the food baskets and toys to families, and will need to comply with all Covid-19 compliance requirements as communicated by Los Ojos De La Familia AZ. A vehicle is needed that can carry 2 to 4 baskets, which are roughly the size of a large laundry basket. These baskets also weigh around 70 lbs so each vehicle will need the manpower to carry these baskets from your vehicles to the houses/apartments.)
Happy Holidays, From Our Family to Yours
Congenius and Los Ojos De La Familia would like to wish a very Happy and Healthy Holiday Season to you and yours. Thank you for being part of our efforts to pass on our blessings to families within our communities this holiday season!