(PHOENIX, Ariz., Nov. 29, 2004) - While many Arizona families are making their holiday shopping lists and waiting for the day after Thanksgiving sales, members of the Phoenix College community are selecting families in need of assistance this holiday season.

Since 2000, Dr. Joseph Kimbuende has led the English Department in a holiday adopt-a-family effort that has benefited eight Phoenix College students and their families. Over the years, the uniqueness of this effort has attracted employees from the Business and Health Enhancement Departments. Ultimately, this collaboration has allowed Dr. Kimbuende and his generous team an opportunity to assist additional families with more siblings.

One unique characteristic about this particular giving initiative is the fact that all families adopted are new arrivals with refugee status from various countries in Africa. In addition, at least one family member of the adopted family is a student at Phoenix College.

"We try and take care of our own first," said Dr. Kimbuende. "In 1999, we had a number of refugees from Africa and many of them began to take classes here at Phoenix College. I felt like I had to do something…it made perfect sense to start with our own students first."

From clothing and household items to toys and school supplies, many different types of donations are needed.

"We are always looking for items," said Dr. Kimbuende. "It is important to realize that when refugees arrive in Arizona, they have very little, if anything. We collect year-round and try and help as much as we can, so we are always collecting items."

Dr. Kimbuende saves the big collections for Saturdays. He has been known to drive a U-HAUL around to various parts of the Valley to collect some of the larger items. For example, he recently received a washing machine and clothes dryer from a retired PC employee.

"This was such a wonderful donation," said Dr. Kimbuende.

The drive and passion for giving is nothing new for Dr. Kimbuende. He and his family were once the recipients of an adopt-a-family project when he was a student at Northern Arizona University (NAU). On a student visa from Africa, Dr. Kimbuende planned to return to the University of Zaire to teach after receiving his degree. Consequently, while studying at NAU, civil war broke out in his homeland. When this occurred, financial assistance ceased for Dr. Kimbuende, and he and his family struggled to make ends meet. They were prepared to face the holiday season without gifts or a holiday dinner. With just three days before Christmas, the Kimbuende family received a knock at the door and soon discovered that they had been adopted this holiday season.

"It was such a magical moment," said Dr. Kimbuende. "We were so fortunate for this kind gesture. You cannot go through something of this nature and not want to give back or help others in need."

Dr. Joseph Kimbuende is especially thankful to Pam Rogers and Miguel Fernandez for their undying commitment to this project.

"It has been a team effort," said Dr. Kimbuende. "This project would not be possible without the donations from many PC faculty and staff, and the help of many volunteers, especially Pam Rogers and Miguel Fernandez who have spent countless hours to help the refugees."

For more information about this project or to make a donation, please contact Dr. Joseph Kimbuende at (602) 285-7561.

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