Drive-thru send-off event May 20
Article contributed by Carol Broeder
Gila County – In May, you have a month-long opportunity to donate preserved food and hygiene products to those in need. Donate during weekday business hours of Gila County Community Services. A donation box is located in the lobby of the Central Heights Complex, 5515 S. Apache Ave., Suite 200.
Here are the 5-hour drive-thru donation opportunities: Volunteers will be accepting donations on Saturday, May 20 from 9am to 2pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints parking lot, 4247 Broadway, Claypool (see signs) Turn to Broadway and 2nd Street go out).
Suggested foods include canned soups/stews. Canned fruits/vegetables. canned beans; canned pasta; Packaged tuna. Rice that heats up quickly. peanut butter; processed foods (seeds, nuts, oats, granola, cereals); Bottled water and microwaveable food.
Other necessary items include a can opener. Deodorant; toilet paper; toothpaste; shampoo; lotion; lip balm; feminine hygiene products and socks.
A similar food and hygiene activity was held in February, which organizers deemed a “huge success”.
“We’re trying to make this a quarterly event,” said Alison Torres, Continuing Care Coordinator for the Gila County Department of Community Services. “This food serves multiple pantries in our community.”
The February Community Food Sanitation Campaign followed closely behind the Point Homelessness (PIT) numbers implemented in January.
Torres said PIT Count’s goals include raising awareness of community needs and providing individuals with information about existing resources.
She expects to receive the first report of this year’s PIT count from Arizona by the end of the month.
“We continue to recognize the urgent need for food resources within our community and have decided to make this an ongoing effort,” Torres explained, providing food and hygiene distributions every three months. Facilitated the development of plans to hold activities.
The May Food Drive prepares for the annual Jason Sanchez Homeless Connect Day event on Friday, June 16 from 9am-2pm at Maranatha Baptist Church (1320 E. Saguaro Dr., Globe) in time.
In partnership with Gila County Community Services and the Gila County Homelessness Task Force, the Cobre Valley Homeless Coalition will host “this one-stop resource event,” Torres said.
“Among other resources, food is provided to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless,” she explains.
In the meantime, food from May Food and Hygiene Drive “will help stockpile local pantries and churches again for those in need within the community.” says Torres. For more information, please contact Tim Gonzales at 928-961-3141 or email tgonzales.1964homelesscoalition@gmail.com or Allison at 928-425-7631 or totorres@gilacountyaz.gov.
