SE Valley Times

Mesa’s annual Hydration Donation Campaign is starting a month earlier in an effort to save more lives during Arizona’s extreme heat season. With a record number of heat-related deaths in Maricopa County in 2023 and the National Weather Service predicting above-normal temperatures during the 2024 heat season, City, community and business partners have started collecting life-saving bottles of water. The campaign kicked off with donations of 38,400 bottles of water from Walmart stores in Mesa and 30,240 bottles from Niagara Bottling. Despite the strong start, Mesa’s community partners are urging the public to help collect 700,000 bottles of water from now through Sept. 27 to help Mesa’s most vulnerable residents. “It’s amazing to see the generosity during the Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign,” said Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia. "Last summer was one of the hottest on record. As the temperatures rise, let’s all pitch in by donating water bottles to ensure nobody goes thirsty in the summer heat. It’s a real lifesaver for those who need it most.”

“United Food Bank has a firsthand understanding of the crucial importance of the hydration donation campaign. As Board Member and Councilmember, I witness the direct impact of the Mesa Hydration Donation campaign on our most vulnerable residents,” said Councilmember Julie Spilsbury. United Food Bank 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. Mesa’s Hydration Donation campaign has been saving lives since 2007 during Arizona’s extremely hot summers. Since the campaign began, the Mesa community has donated more than 6.6 million bottles of water. “The Arizona summer months are known for their extreme heat, and we want to make sure each of our neighbors has plenty of water to stay hydrated,” said Jason Reed, the president and CEO of United Food Bank. “We are thrilled to once again be partnering with the City of Mesa for this annual water drive. We hope you join us by making a monetary or water donation to help provide our community the water they need throughout the summer.”

The start of the Mesa Hydration Donation campaign coincides with Arizona Heat Awareness Week (May 6-10) and is a stark reminder of the dangers of summer heat in Arizona. “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,” said Robert Campa, Emergency Manager with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, Office of Emergency Management. “Without donations of water, the outcomes of our emergency responses to cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke would be much worse.”

Resurrection Street Ministry (RSM), located at 1135 E. Main St., is one of the water donation drop-off locations and will also be a Day Respite Center from May 20 through September, six days a week. RSM will provide respite and services, including water, food, air conditioning, navigation services, showers, laundry and more. “We see people come in off the streets daily needing water, food, a place to get out of the heat and to get other types of assistance. The donations of water we get from the community are critical, and we are so grateful to United Food Bank and the residents of Mesa who make such a difference,” said Bill Berry, RSM Volunteer Executive Director. RSM is looking for volunteers to guide the visitors to the different respite services or to simply be a friend. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Mark Dye at markdyersm@gmail.com for more information.

The Mesa Chamber of Commerce is encouraging businesses and community groups to organize campaigns to donate 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,” said Sally Harrison, Mesa Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “For several years, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce has organized friendly competitions to get water donations and help a great lifesaving cause and we are happy to lead the efforts again this summer.”

Residents can donate water at various drop-off locations throughout the City. The complete list of locations is available at mesaaz.gov/H2OMesa. Cash donations are also accepted by United Food Bank. Another 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 approximately $210. Individuals can split the cost so it’s just over 100 dollars each. To donate a pallet, contact Mandy Hodges at mhodges@unitedfoodbank.org. 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. The campaign has already received pallets of water donated by several businesses, including Walmart and Niagara Bottling. The Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign will be collecting water until Friday, Sept. 27.

The City of Mesa Water Resources is also continuing and expanding its use of Hydration Stations, which are water bottle refill stations available year-round in public areas easily accessible to anyone who needs a drink of water. A map with the locations is available online.