Her Toy Drives Bring Joy & Relief to BHAM Families
Since founding The Circle of Love in 2004, Doris Phillips has provided school supplies and holiday toys to over 15,000 children. Get to know this inspiring FACE of Birmingham! Image: The Circle of Love Foundation
For many children, Christmas morning means laughter, wrapping paper, and gifts beneath the tree. But for Doris Phillips, growing up meant learning what it felt like when those moments never came. “Children often hear, ‘If you’re not good, Santa won’t come,’” she says. “When Santa doesn’t come, what message does that send? Does it mean they weren’t good enough?” That question became the heart of The Circle of Love Foundation, which began with gifts for a few dozen children and now reaches more than 1,000 each year.
Tell us a bit about what growing up was like for you.
I’m the third of seven children. Growing up, we often struggled to meet our basic needs. I don’t share this for sympathy; it was just part of our everyday life. But those challenges taught me something important: No matter where you start, you have the power to make a difference. As long as you hold on to that belief, you’ll never see yourself as a victim. You’ll see yourself as someone who can create change.
What led you to start The Circle of Love Foundation?
When I was in second grade, our teacher asked each child to stand up and share what they got for Christmas. I remember putting my head down on my desk and pretending to be asleep because I didn’t get anything, and I felt sad. When the class finished, I pretended to wake up, but the teacher still asked me to share. So, I lied. I said I got some of the same things the other kids mentioned. That made me feel even sadder — sad that I didn’t have gifts, and sad that I wasn’t honest.
But then, the next year, something unforgettable happened. It was Christmas night, and my dad was recovering from back surgery, so it was shaping up to be another quiet, somber Christmas. The house was dark when, suddenly, headlights came up our driveway. It was the owners of the house we lived in, and they had boxes and boxes of Christmas gifts for all of us.
What prompted the focus on holiday presents and back-to-school supplies?
I believe Christmas is meant to be a time of faith, joy, happiness, and giving. And what greater gifts can we offer than love and kindness?
If you’re in third grade and already labeled as “that child,” the one without what you need, the chances of feeling excited about school are slim, and the possibility of graduating someday becomes even smaller.
That’s why our mission is to share love, restore dignity, and give every child the tools and encouragement they need — not just at Christmas, but all year long.
How has it felt to watch the foundation expand its reach over the years?
What a blessing it has been! I pray that even if we touch the heart of just one child, we’ve succeeded. Because it only takes one … one child whose life is changed, who feels loved, and who carries that seed of kindness forward to make a difference in the world.
It may sound simple, or even a little sappy, but I believe it with my whole heart.
Any particularly meaningful stories you can share about the foundation’s work?
I’ll never forget a 19-year-old young woman who had just gained custody of her little brother. She was doing her best to hold everything together, and we were able to help her gather what she needed to make a home for the two of them. Then there was a mother of five who had just lost her husband, and grandparents trying to raise their grandchildren on a fixed income, doing everything they could to provide some sense of normalcy.
Each story touches your heart in a different way. You see the strength, courage, and love these families have, even in the hardest of times. We can’t fix everything, but we can help ease the burden and remind them they’re not alone.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I recently started another nonprofit in memory of my son, who passed away almost two years ago. It’s been a meaningful way to honor him and continue spreading love and kindness in his name.
I absolutely love to cook. I can spend an entire day in the kitchen, and it brings me so much joy. Since it’s just my husband and me at home now, I share my cooking with my office team. They seem to appreciate my passion for food as much as I do!
I also enjoy crocheting and spending as much time outdoors as possible. Those quiet moments, whether I’m creating something with my hands or enjoying nature, are where I find peace and balance.
Who or what is inspiring you right now?
Since 2004, we’ve sponsored well over 15,000 children, and that number represents so much more than gifts. It represents smiles, relief, and moments of hope that can change lives. That’s what inspires me every single day.
What is your best piece of advice?
Be your own hero. Never wait for someone else to change your story; you have the power to change it yourself. Believe in your strength, trust your heart, and take that first step. You are capable of creating the life you dream of.
We always ask: What are three things you can’t live without?
I’d like to turn the question around. Instead of what I can’t live without, I think about what I can’t live with. Negativity, victimhood, and laziness drain my energy and don’t belong in my life. I’ve learned that nothing is perfect, but I refuse to stay stuck in the mud for long periods. I also strive to create a space where those around me feel supported, not weighed down by their own insecurities or the insecurities of others. If we are not changing it, then we are accepting it. Protecting my energy and fostering positivity is something I value deeply.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Last delicious local meal: Oak House in Chelsea, and it has THE BEST Short Ribs!
Favorite place to vacation: OUTSIDE! The mountains, the lake, or just a hiking trail in the woods.
Your go-to gift to give: Anything home-cooked. I love to feed people!
For more information about Circle of Love and how you can help, visit their website.
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Birmingham women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.