⭐ FRIENDS-TOGETHER PAST PROJECTS ⭐: CHRISTMAS PARTIES (2000–2014) 

CHRISTMAS PARTIES (2000–2014)

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Before hosting camps—and even before becoming a 501(c)(3)—Friends-Together began by creating joyful Christmas celebrations for families infected and affected by HIV across Central Florida.

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Hundreds attended each year. Volunteers donated mountains of gifts, wrapped presents for days, and created a space filled with warmth and holiday magic. Santa arrived, kids laughed, and families who often struggled through the holidays were surrounded with hope and community. These celebrations set the tone for the supportive and festive environment that would continue at Friends-Together camps.

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Once camps began, we held a special Christmas Camp every December. Each Christmas Camp included activities such as:

• A full Christmas meal

• Gifts for all children

• Cookie baking and ornament-making

• Makeovers and creative workshops

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These celebrations captured Christmas in every sense—joyful, unconditional, and deeply needed.