Apex Customs has announced an ongoing commitment to support the work of local nonprofits in bringing much-needed care and attention to families in the Phoenix area. The local custom automotive shop is encouraging its customers to give what they can to three different organizations this holiday season: Prison Fellowship, The Salvation Army and Toys for Tots.
Apex President and CEO Tyler Copenhaver-Heath said he knows firsthand how important these programs, and their donors, are to children in Arizona. Copenhaver-Heath’s family was one of those on the receiving end of their generosity.
“I knew growing up that my family did not have enough money for gifts,” said Copenhaver-Heath. “Somehow, we had them. It was later that I found out the presents we did receive for Christmas was a result of these programs.”
Describing the initiative as his attempt to “pay it forward,” Copenhaver-Heath emphasized his personal commitment and that of Apex Customs to support community efforts.
“I feel that this has influenced me in my life,” he said. “We try to do with Apex as much as we can with the community. I can promise you as we continue to grow we’ll do more and more.”
Anyone wishing to help can donate directly to the organization or at Apex Custom’s location in Phoenix. The shop will collect gifts up until Dec. 20.
Prison Fellowship (Angel Tree)
Every Christmas, the Angel Tree program of Prison Fellowship buys, wraps and delivers presents to children of people living in prison. By giving gifts on their parents’ behalf, the organization hopes to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of prisoners’ children and families. Angel Tree was started by a former prisoner in 1982 and is the largest U.S. organization serving the children of those in prison.
Salvation Army (Christmas Angel)
The history of The Salvation Army goes back to 1865, when a Methodist minister and his wife in London, England, saw the need to integrate ministry with feeding the hungry and providing shelter to the homeless. Today, Salvation Army volunteers with red kettles are a common sight around the holidays. The Salvation Army’s Christmas Angel program provides gifts to children in need throughout Phoenix.
Started by a major in 1947, the United States Marine Corps took over the Toys for Tots program in 1948. The program collects new, unwrapped gifts to give to children with the intent to spread hope. Each year millions of toys are gifted to children across all 50 states in hundreds of communities.
