Phoenix Rescue Mission, a faith-based nonprofit organization that provides life-transforming solutions to persons facing hunger and homelessness, launched its “Feeding Phoenix: More than a Meal” campaign for the third straight year. The campaign, which runsnow through Dec. 31, includes several holiday events aimed at collecting food, water, blankets, sleeping bags and other items for the homeless during the holidays.
“The holidays are extremely tough on those who are cold, hungry and living on the streets. Many homeless also are estranged from their families either due to an addiction or an illness, and the holidays puts them at greater risk of depression and increased abuse of alcohol and drugs,” says Jay Cory, Phoenix Rescue Mission president and CEO. “Sometimes all it takes is just one hot meal to give them the hope they need to get through these tough times.”
Arizona ranks among the worst states in the nation for homelessness, with more than 13,000 homeless men, women and children in Maricopa County alone. To lift their spirits during the holidays, “Feeding Phoenix: More than a Meal” will be in high gear collecting food, water, blankets, socks, sleeping bags, toys, monetary donations and other items at drop-off locations throughout the Valley. For a complete list of items needed and drop-off locations, visit www.phoenixrescuemission.org.
Public events:
Sun., Nov. 8, 2015 Frozen Turkey Sunday & Open House:
Frozen Turkey Sunday is an event that brings people to the Community Services Center for a tour, free lunch, and musical entertainment. It is also the day that people drop off their frozen turkeys to share with the community. Our goal this year is to provide frozen turkeys and food boxes for 1,500 families! Bring your frozen turkey to the Mission on that Sunday and help feed those who are in need of a bountiful Thanksgiving meal..
Sat., Nov. 21, 2015 Thanksgiving Food Box Delivery Day:
Volunteers from all over come to our Community Services Center to pick up Thanksgiving food boxes and frozen turkeys (which combined provide a Thanksgiving meal) along with the addresses of needy families. They then deliver the food boxes and turkeys to the designated addresses given to them. This year our goal is to provide Thanksgiving dinner to 1,500 families.
Sat., Dec. 19, 2015 Winter Wonderland Community Event: We are collecting new, unwrapped toys for needy children and small household items and personal gifts for their moms and dads. We will then have a shopping area where the moms/dads can come and “shop” for their children for Christmas. The children will also be able to “shop” for mom and dad and then also wrap the gifts they picked for them. Visit www.phoenixrescuemisson.org for details. The event is part of the Mission’s “Feeding Phoenix: More than a Meal” campaign to help the homeless and poor.
