Phoenix Rescue Mission: Access to food, turkeys and resources
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Phoenix Rescue Mission is gearing up for the 2022 launch of its annual “Hungry for Change” holiday campaign, which runs from Oct. 6 through Dec. 31.
Phoenix Rescue Mission officials report the campaign in 2020 was meant to bring awareness to how society has dealt with hunger in the past — primarily by treating the symptoms of hunger without addressing the root causes that stem from a lack of vocational development, education, counseling, mental health services and other resources.
“Holidays should be a time for love and laughter, but for families facing food insecurity, celebrating is often the last thing on their minds” said Ken Brissa, CEO at the Phoenix Rescue Mission in a prepared statement.
“In addition to providing warm meals and food boxes with pantry items, Phoenix Rescue Mission will also give community members the chance to learn about educational opportunities, workforce development, job opportunities, counseling, case management, addiction recovery services and many other life-transforming resources.”
The campaign relies on public support and makes it easy for Arizonans to help, either through volunteering, making a donation online or by bringing food and other needed items directly to Phoenix Rescue Mission. The campaign will feature several events, including mobile pantries, the frozen turkey Saturday, Thanksgiving and Christmas outreach events and drives for Thanksgiving turkeys, non-perishable foods, and Christmas gifts for families in need.
Donations made to the “Hungry for Change” campaign will support the thousands of families served each month by Phoenix Rescue Mission’s various programs, including its Hope for Hunger Food Bank, Mobile Pantries, Hope Coach Street Outreach services, and others designed to end the cycle of poverty.
Phoenix Rescue Mission events:
Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1: Laveen Mobile Pantry
During the newly established Laveen Mobile Pantry, Phoenix Rescue Mission will distribute canned and dry foods and hygiene products ranging from paper towels and toilet paper to cleaning supplies and personal care items. There is no cost to participate, ID is required, and the event will be located at Christ Church of the Valley Laveen (4343 W. Baseline Road) from 8 to 10 a.m.
Oct. 8, 22 and Nov. 12: West Phoenix Mobile Pantry
Created to decrease food insecurity and improve food accessibility across the Valley, Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Mobile Pantry initiative will visit the Murphy neighborhood to connect with disadvantaged families, provide them with bags of non-perishable foods and hygiene supplies, and help them access the resources to end their cycle of poverty. The public is encouraged to stop by the event at Ministerio Un Ejercito Para Cristo (4013 W. Maricopa St.) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., or as long as supplies last.
Oct. 18 and Nov. 15: South Mountain Mobile Pantry
Created to distribute food and hygiene items that are donated by individuals, businesses, and churches in the community, food bags, hygiene items and cleaning supplies will be given to families while supplies last. The public is encouraged to stop by from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the First New Life Church (1902 W. Roeser Road). There is no cost to participate. ID is required.
For questions, please contact (602) 346-3383 or outreachevents@phxmission.org.
Phoenix Rescue Mission outreach
Nov. 12: Frozen Turkey Saturday
Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Frozen Turkey Saturday aims to collect more than 1,500 turkeys, which will be delivered directly to families in need during the Mission’s Thanksgiving Outreach Event and at the Hope for Hunger Food Bank. The public is encouraged to step into the spirit of Thanksgiving and stop by the drive-thru event at the Mission’s Hope for Hunger Food Bank, 5605 N. 55th Ave., to donate a frozen turkey and non-perishable Thanksgiving foods between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Please contact (602) 346-3347 or gikhelp@phxmission.org if you would like to start a non-perishable foods, turkey or gift drive.
Nov. 19: Public Thanksgiving Outreach Event
Phoenix Rescue Mission’s second annual drive-thru event at Sullivan Elementary School (2 N. 31st Ave.) will distribute turkeys and sides, food bags, and hygiene kits. There is no registration required and first come are first served from 9 a.m. to noon or as long as supplies last. To volunteer at this event, please sign up at phxmission.org/volunteer.
Dec. 17: Winter Wonderland Community Event (guests by pre-registration only)
The mission is partnering with local businesses, churches, and individuals to collect new, unwrapped toys, nonperishable foods, and toiletries. Gifts can be collected by hand or purchased on the Mission’s Amazon Charity List at phxmission.org/christmaslist. The mission will then provide the gifts, food bags and toiletries to families in need via its annual Winter Wonderland event. To volunteer at this event, please sign up at phxmission.org/volunteer.
