ARIZONA NEWS
Water bottle donations sought to help vulnerable Valley residents amid summer heat
PHOENIX — As temperatures in the Valley climb into the triple-digits, collection campaigns are underway for water bottles to help vulnerable residents.
The city of Mesa is looking to collect 600,000 bottles of water through September, while the Human Services Campus in Phoenix will host its monthly water drive on Saturday.
The 16th annual Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign began on Wednesday and runs until Sept. 30, according to a press release.
People can participate by dropping off water bottles at locations throughout the city or through cash donations.
“Each year I am amazed by the generosity of our community during the Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign,” Mayor John Giles said in a press release.
“As temperatures heat up, I encourage everyone to donate bottles of water to help ensure no one goes without water during the hot summer months. This campaign is a lifesaver.”
Water bottles collected are distributed by the United Food Bank to nonprofit organizations throughout the Valley, the city said. More than 5.2 million water bottles have been donated since the campaign began in 2007.
The Human Services Campus water drive takes place from 9 a.m. to noon near the Harrison Street Gate of the 13-acre campus at 204 S. 12th Avenue in Phoenix where volunteers will unload the donations.
Donations of hygiene items will also be accepted, including deodorant, new adult underwear and socks in packages, electrolyte packs, as well as sunscreen, hats, visors, solid grey bandanas, sunglasses, lip balm, aloe burn gel and at least half-gallon-sized insulated water bottles.
People can also participate in the drive by visiting the campus’ Amazon Wish List or by making an online donation.
Staff of the nonprofit gives 3,000 water bottles a day to people experiencing homelessness on and around the campus, according to a press release, and said 100,000 are needed every month through September.
Mesa said it is also continuing to expand its Hydration Stations that are located at various public areas and allow people to refill their water bottles year-round. A map of Hydration Stations is available on the city’s website.
