For five years, KFA has been supporting resident families and children at the Zahn Memorial Center in Downtown by collecting gifts and donations during the holiday season. This past year was KFA’s greatest effort—bringing holiday gifts to 23 children from a total of nine families, more than double the previous year.

KFA loves Los Angeles and supports community groups, charitable organizations, and housing developers that provide safe, healthy homes and services for at-risk individuals and families. The Zahn Center is the only emergency shelter for families in Downtown LA that provides 90 days of emergency housing to 18 chronically homeless families with special needs. The Zahn Center is a special place because of its emphasis on housing families together rather than splitting them up as is common in other shelters.

This year’s Zahn Center holiday party was a festive, cheerful affair with food, music, and even haircuts for all the kids.  Each child received an overflowing bag of gifts from KFA which included an outfit, a coat, and two toys. Each family also received a Target gift card for household essentials.

This year almost 30 KFA’ers brought in gifts or donated to the cause, and the smiles at KFA are just as wide knowing they brightened the holiday season for these children. “The energy and support of this effort in the office is overwhelming, especially this year,” said KFA’s Tarrah Beebe, AIA. “It’s been fun to picture these kids opening the gifts that you bought them. I think that’s why so many people participate at KFA.”