Christmas in July

In June 2025, DNP was contacted by Cecilia Sandoval of National American Indian Veterans and Bob Dalpe of the Veterans Medical Leadership Council in Phoenix, AZ, who wished to donate toys. Together with DNP case coordinator Karen Shirley, they began planning how to deliver the toys to a veteran organization in Sawmill, AZ. 

Karen contacted the Commander of Sawmill Veterans and was invited to attend their June veterans meeting to discuss a way to distribute toys. Here, Karen learned they planned to have a Christmas in July event where they provided food and toiletries to their local community. 

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Karen worked with Sawmill Veterans to get a list of their veterans and surviving spouses to connect with them and ensure that each family would receive a bag from DNP at their Christmas in July. Karen prepared gifts for the families and packed DNP bags with bathroom essentials, treats, and information about DNP. Toys were loaded for transportation the day before the event, and there were volunteers ready to unload them at the party.  

Karen assisted with preparing lunch for the veterans and their families; she cooked ham with mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted corn, biscuits, and cupcakes to pass out. While lunch was being enjoyed, Karen made sure the kids went first to get their gifts while she passed out DNP bags to veterans.  

“You should've seen their faces of joy, they had so many choices of toys to pick and everyone got a toy,” Karen said. “DNP had no toys to bring back. This was a success and the whole day I felt so joyful feeling the Christmas cheer.”  

Special thanks to Cecilia and Bob, as well as Sawmill Veterans for bringing the much needed necessities and joy to the community.