Organization Seeks Donations for Annual Bottled Water Drive and Heat Relief Kits.

PHOENIX (July 26, 2021) –Valley of the Sun United Way’s Women United group will host its second annual Maricopa County Bottled Water Drive from Aug. 1-31, 2021 to provide more than 200,000 bottles of water to local nonprofit partners who assist people experiencing homelessness.

Women United, joined by partners throughout the Valley including major contributors such as Walmart, will provide the bottled water for distribution at the Human Services Campus, Salvation Army, a New Leaf and other organizations that help those in need.

Community members are encouraged to join in the effort with monetary donations for the purchase of water. (A donation of $5 would buy a case of water with 40 water bottles and a donation of approximately $200 would purchase a 48-case pallet of 1,920 bottles). Monetary donations can be made online at www.vsuw.org/mc2026waterdrive.

“We have bold goals for bringing Mighty Change to Maricopa County and our ambitious goal for this water drive is no different,” said Rob Podlogar, Chief Community Development and Engagement Officer, at Valley of the Sun United Way. “With help from the community last year, Women United was able to donate more than 50,000 bottles of water. This year, they are aiming even higher,” he said.

Women United also will welcome donations of bottled water at two drop-off locations:

Bryant Commercial Real Estate
2233 N 7th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Information: 480-802-8100

State Farm - Mary Contreras Agency
2146 E Warner Rd #101,
Tempe, AZ 85284
Information: 480-775-7788

Valley of the Sun United Way also is encouraging community members and local companies to make and donate heat relief kits for people experiencing homelessness. The kits provide sunscreen, sunglasses, antibiotic ointment, bottled water, lotion and other needed items. Heat relief kits in batches of 10 or more can be delivered to the Phoenix Community Toolbank. Batches of fewer than 10 heat relief kits can be delivered to Valley of the Sun United Way. For information and drop off coordination, contact volunteer@vsuw.org or visit: https://vsuw.org/get-involved/volunteer/summer-heat-relief-kits.

Heat-associated illness and deaths are a community-wide issue in the summer months. Maricopa County reported that 323 people died from heat-associated causes in 2020. Already this year, 75 deaths are likely related to extreme summer temperatures.

United Way’s heat relief efforts are part MC2026, the organization’s new five-year plan for creating Mighty Change in Maricopa County. The plan includes a strategic focus on health and on housing insecurity. Access to clean, drinkable water and shelter is imperative, especially during the dangerously hot summer months.

“The Women United water drive is a great example of what can be achieved when you have the right partners who care about our community,” Podlogar said. “Achieving our bold MC2026 goals over the next five years will take a partnership that includes all of us.”

###

About Valley of the Sun United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way envisions a community where every child, family and individual is healthy, has a safe place to live, and has every opportunity to succeed in school, in life and in work. As we work with our community, corporate and nonprofit partners to implement MC2026, our five-year plan for Mighty Change, we will put all of our efforts toward reaching bold goals for Maricopa County in Health, Housing and Homelessness, Education and Workforce Development. We invite you to join us. www.vsuw.org