There are so many awesome nonprofits in our community, all of which are deserving of our attention and support. You may already have a favorite, or you may be looking for a new way to help. For a directory of the Valley’s charities, and for more info on what they promote and ways you can help, visit our AFM Concierge listing on AZFoothills.com and click nonprofits.

Three of our favorite nonprofits this holiday season all focus on bettering the lives of children. Our third annual shoe drive is being held through Dec. 19, and local businesses have volunteered to collect shoes for West Valley Child Crisis Center and Crisis Nursery. For shoe drop-off points, visit AZFoothills.com.

Another great initiative AFM is working on is our subscription drive with Banner Health in support of Cardon Children’s Medical Center. AFM has decided to split all proceeds generated from every subscription and gift subscription AFM sells through 2010 with this new children’s hospital. Log on to AZFoothills.com to buy a gift subscription, and we’ll do the rest.

We wish you and your family the best this holiday season.─We’ll see you in 2010!

Best Wishes!

-Michael S. Dee
President and Publisher