The 14th Annual Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign is underway with a goal of collecting 400,000 bottles of water to help people in need during the extreme summer heat.
"The campaign is a life saver for the less fortunate during the hot summer months. This year, with the financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need is even greater. Our residents have been extremely generous in donating bottles of water in previous years and I know they are ready to do so again this year," Mesa Mayor John Giles said.
United Food Bank collects and distributes donated water to numerous nonprofit organizations in Mesa and throughout the valley including Paz De Cristo, Mesa United Way and A New Leaf-East Valley Men's Center.
"It's no secret that as the temperature rises in Arizona, the need for water for the less fortunate rises along with it," Mesa Councilmember and United Food Bank Board Member Kevin Thompson said. "This campaign has become a literal life saver for those individuals, and I have no doubt the community will once again show their generosity through the donation of bottles of water."
Since the campaign began in 2007, more than 4.2 million bottles of water have been donated.
"Water is a basic necessity for human life. The Hydration Donation Campaign is an easy way to help our vulnerable neighbors during the heat of summer. $5 buys a case of water. During this difficult time for so many, I hope the community will step up and help by making a monetary or water donation to this campaign," United Food Bank President and CEO Dave Richins said.
The Mesa Hydration Donation campaign is a stark reminder of the dangers of summer heat in Arizona, which first responders encounter daily.
"The risks of dehydration are great for anyone exposed to the triple digit temperatures, especially those who are unsheltered or don't have a place to easily get out of the sun," Mesa Fire and Medical Deputy Chief and Public Information Officer Forrest Smith said. "Without donations of water, the outcomes of our emergency responses to cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke would be much worse."
Residents can donate water at various drop-off locations throughout the City:
Mesa Fire Station 202
830 S. Stapley Drive
Drop-off at front door of Community Room
Mesa Fire Station 216
7966 E. McDowell Road
Drop-off at front door of Community Room
Mesa Fire Station 217
10434 E. Baseline Road
Drop-off at front door of Community Room
Mesa Fire Station 218
845 N. Alma School Road
Drop-off at front door of Community Room
Mesa Fire Station 220
32 S. 58th St.
Drop-off at front door of Community Room
United Food Bank Volunteer Center
358 E. Javelina Ave.
8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday - Friday
Paz de Cristo
424 W. Broadway
8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday
A New Leaf - East Valley Men's Center
2345 N. Country Club Drive
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Daily
The Salvation Army
Mesa Citadel Corps
241 E. 6th St.
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday
Klaus Team - Keller Williams Integrity First Realty
2919 S. Ellsworth Road #133
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday
Dobson Ranch Homeowners Association
La Casita Recreation Center
2719 S. Reyes
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday (leave water at office door)
The Mesa Chamber of Commerce is encouraging businesses and community groups to organize campaigns to collect water for the campaign.
"The Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign is a great way for businesses, nonprofit groups and other associations to network and organize efforts to collect cases of water," Mesa Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sally Harrison said. "For the past few years, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce has organized friendly competitions to get water donations and help a great life-saving cause and we are happy to lead the efforts again this summer"
One way to boost donations is the One Ton Water Challenge. Promoted by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, United Food Bank and the City of Mesa, it challenges businesses, residents and organizations to buy a pallet of water, which weighs more than one ton, for under $150. Individuals can split the cost so it's 75 dollars each. To donate a pallet, contact Melissa Forrester at mforrester@unitedfoodbank.org.
The Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign will be collecting water until Friday, September 25. For more information, visit www.mesaaz.gov/H2Omesa.
Public Information & Communications
Contact: Kevin Christopher
Tel. 480-644-4699
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov