In the sweltering summer heat of Mesa, local organizations are vocally urging the community to support the City's Hydration Donation Campaign by donating bottles of water. The campaign's goal, to amass a critical supply for the city's most vulnerable, has taken on an urgent note as temperatures climb. Resurrection Street Ministry (RSM), a pivotal day respite center, is actively handing out up to 500 bottles a day to those in dire need, as reported by officials.
Bill Berry, RSM Volunteer Executive Director, underscored the gravity of the situation and the need to quickly collect donations to distribute to the homeless and heat-stricken. "We are grateful to people who stop by to donate water and also to the supermarkets, like Costco, that donate broken cases of water to us and United Food Bank. It is definitely making a huge difference this summer," Berry told Mesa city officials. Pas de Cristo, another local center, has been steadily distributing more water than usual to passersby during this scorching period.
Paz de Cristo, renowned for providing meals and other aid services, has also been an oasis for those needing hydration. "The community has been great this year, as well as United Food Bank, with water donations. There is no shortage of water at Paz thanks to our partners and donors," expressed John Farley, the organization's Director of Food Services, as per the previous statement given to the City of Mesa. Meanwhile, The Salvation Army Mesa Citadel Corps has similarly embraced the mantle of a cooling center, handing out over 3,500 bottles since May to residents seeking respite from the relentless Arizona heat.
The City of Mesa, alongside United Food Bank and Mesa Chamber of Commerce, are energetically leading the charge, aiming to collect a staggering 700,000 bottles of water by September 27. "The Salvation Army considers extreme heat to be Arizona’s natural disaster, so we deem it an emergency disaster response," Major Michael Lutcher stated, emphasizing the importance of the campaign. Mesa residents who wish to contribute to this lifesaving initiative can find drop-off locations throughout the city, available on the City's campaign page, with the option for cash donations through United Food Bank.
