Mesa's Hydration Donation Campaign needs more water as the community demand for bottles of water is at an all-time high. To help meet the demand, the City of Mesa is hosting two drop-off events to make it easier for the community to donate cases of water:
Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., between Buildings B and C
Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., in the south parking lot
Since the start of the collection on May 6, the lifesaving campaign has received 363,849 bottles of water. That is just over halfway to the goal to collect 700,000 bottles of water. Mesa is asking residents to please donate bottles of water or contribute online to help people in need, especially the unsheltered, enduring harsh conditions in another record-breaking summer.
"I'm always amazed to see how Mesa residents and businesses share their generosity through the annual Hydration Donation Campaign, supporting those in need during the hot summer months," said Mayor John Giles. "Donating a case of water or making a modest contribution could be a lifesaver. Even though we're accustomed to higher temperatures, the risks of extreme heat are especially dangerous for the most vulnerable among us. Let's push this campaign over the finish line."
The Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign offers 21 drop-off locations throughout the City where you can donate water. The list of locations is available at www.mesaaz.gov/H2OMesa. Cash donations are also accepted.
"United Food Bank is grateful for the donations of water and money we have received so far, but we have a long way to go to meet the need in our community. We know there are businesses and residents out there who can still help. Now is the time. We need you right now." said Jason Reed, United Food Bank President and CEO. "Remember, a five-dollar donation or a case of water will save lives."
There have been several large donations from the business community, nonprofit organizations and residents this summer:
Mesa Chamber of Commerce recently donated 18 pallets or approximately 39,560 bottles. This includes donations of approximately 10 pallets or 21,980 bottles from Google Fiber and three pallets or more than 6,500 bottles from Norris Air
Walmart donated approximately 38,400 bottles of water for the campaign kickoff
Niagara donated more than 35,500 bottles of water for the campaign kickoff
Eastmark donated more than 9,400 bottles during the community's annual water drive
Superstition Springs Elementary donated more than 33,500 bottles just before the end of the 2023-2024 school year
Via Church donated more than 5,600 bottles
Mesa East Stake donated more than 7,600 bottles
Other businesses with large donations include Parker and Sons (more than 32,800 bottles), DPR Construction (approximately 18,400 bottles) and Northrop Grumman (more than 15,350 bottles)
A unique way to donate is through 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, weighing more than one ton, for approximately $210. Individuals can split the cost so it's just over 100 dollars each. You can also donate a pallet in person by simply scanning your card at the Klaus Team Real Estate office at 2919 S Ellsworth Rd #133 in Mesa. To donate a pallet, contact Mandy Hodges at mhodges@unitedfoodbank.org.
The Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign will be collecting water until Friday, Sept. 27.