Rotary Club Gearing Up for Annual Community Food Drive

The Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek is gearing up for their annual community-wide canned food drive, April 6 through 15, for the Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank and All Faith Community Services. Last year we collected 33,000 pounds of food! We will be partnering again with Kare Bears. They have been so gracious in allowing the Kare Bears house to be used as a drop-off location. Each year, the Rotary Club engages community leaders, nonprofit charities, community organizations, and churches to determine local area needs. Then through fundraising efforts and the volunteer energy of club members, Rotary works to improve the quality of local lives.

Arizona ranks 5th in the U.S. for the highest food insecurity rates. Just over 1 million people in Arizona are struggling with hunger, which translates to 1 in 4 children, 1 in 5 adults, and 1 in 7 seniors. These are our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. This year has been especially challenging due to COVID-19. The Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank serves approximately 50,000 individuals experiencing hunger annually here in the Southwest Valley. All Faith Community Services serves approximately 2,000 individuals a month. Unfortunately, the communities served are some of the poorest—not only in the state, but in the country.

PebbleCreekers have shown their kindness and generosity in helping to make a difference in our local community. Please consider giving to this canned food drive. The summer months are a challenging time, when donations take a sharp downturn. Check your pantries or pick up some extra cans each time you go grocery shopping. Snowbirds, this is a great time to clear your cupboards before you leave for the summer. With all the homes in PebbleCreek, the number of cans donated could be extraordinary!

Drop-off locations:

* Kare Bears House—15383 W. Cheery Lynn Rd.

* Robson Reserve

* Tuscany Clubhouse—inside and just to the right of the front door

* Just in front of the Activity Center on the Eagle’s Nest side

If you have questions, contact Henry Raczkiewicz, Community Service Chair at [email protected] or 630-945-8812.

Rotary meets every Wednesday from 7 to 8 a.m. in the Palm Room at the Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse. Guests and snowbird visitors affiliated with other Rotary Clubs are welcome to join us. Contact us at [email protected] or 623-698-0618.