A Touching Story

Today, I heard a touching story from one of my staff members. A woman in Ocotillo was holding a food drive and her goal is to collect 1,200 cans of food and $600. Okay, perhaps this doesn't sound extraordinary because we have 400 food drives going on at any given time during the holiday season.

So, what made this story so touching? She is holding the food drive because it is her way to give back to the organization that helped her. A couple of years ago she was unemployed and she received a food box from us. Now, she is back on her feet and she wants to make sure that others have food when they are facing such a crisis.

We learned of her story through a reporter with the Ocotillo Republic. He was calling for comments her efforts. All we say was, "This is awesome!" If she raises the food and money she is hoping to raise, she will be able to help us provide meals to a couple thousand people.

Yes, one person can make a difference in a very big way.

This is why I feel honored to work here. We are able to make such a difference in the community and along the way we are privileged enough to meet such resilient individuals who have beaten the odds. We helped them do that. We helped them break the cycle.

We wish you the best on your food and fund drive, Trudy! Thank you!

It's Turkey Time!

It is that time of year around the Food Bank. That time when all we think about is turkeys. And, there is a very good reason for this fowl state of mind. We will be distributing 12,000 turkeys to Arizona families in need in the next two months. It is our way of helping agencies provide a comforting holiday meal to their clients, giving them reassurance for the hope that lies ahead.

In order to provide families with turkeys, we rely on the families and businesses in Arizona to make turkey donations to the Food Bank. Our goal is to collect 5,000 turkeys over the next couple of days to add to those turkeys we have already received through purchasing and large food company donations.

To kick-off our annual turkey drive, we had a new event this year...Super Saturday! On November 17, the public could donate a turkey at Desert Ridge Marketplace, Tempe Marketplace or Outlets at Anthem. In return for their turkey donation, individuals were placed in special drawings for prizes, given coupons to help start their holiday shopping and received other incentives. The day was a wonderful success with donations coming in the form of food and money. In all, we received nearly 1,100 turkeys from all of our drive-thru locations, as well as $1,700.

Another event that helped get the word out on our need for turkeys was the Birds on Bikes. A colloborative effort between Chandler Harley-Davidson, Coulter Motor Company and the Tilted Kilt, the event raised $2,500 and 110 turkeys.

Our turkey drive continues this week at all of our locations, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. And, every turkey donor has the chance to win a $250 US Airways gift card. Thank you in advance for your support...you are helping to bring holiday happiness to families who truly need the cheer.