Joan Smith
The Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek held the Let’s Bag Hunger Community Food Drive for the Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank and All Faith Community Services, and it was a tremendous success! Rotarians throughout Arizona declared April 17 through 24 Rotary Week of Service, and clubs across the state participated by giving hundreds of hours of service to their communities. Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary (GYPC Rotary) stepped up and did just that—bringing in over 33,000 pounds of non-perishable food.
“Our goal of collecting 32,000 pounds of non-perishable food which equals 16 tons started in response to hearing about the ongoing food insecurity issue in the SW Valley,” stated club president Joan Smith. “Our club’s desire to raise awareness and bring the whole community together to make a significant impact was purposeful. We have a very generous community and they responded with an outpouring of food donations,” Smith said. “A huge shout out must be given to American Furniture Warehouse temporarily storing the surplus food when the food banks were full.”
With help from students from Litchfield Elementary School District, Avondale Elementary School District, and Agua Fria Union High School District, the goal was attainable. Robson Reserve and State Farm Insurance-Mariana Chavez participated, as well as city of Goodyear employees, several local churches, the community of PebbleCreek, and Kare Bears. It truly was a joint effort, and the results were definitely significant. “It’s heartwarming to see our teachers and students get so excited about a good cause,” said Dr. Jodi Gunning, superintendent of Litchfield Elementary School District. “The kids love to see the cans of food pile up by the end of the week. Many of our families need help to make ends meet. The food banks serve an important role and we are honored to support them.”
Each year, the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek engages community leaders, non-profit 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. GYPC Rotary meets every Wednesday from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse Palm Room. Guests and Rotarians affiliated with other Rotary clubs are always welcome. Contact Joan Smith, president, at 623-698-0618 or [email protected].