United Food Bank launches annual hydration donation campaign as scorching summer approaches Mesa

In advance of another Mesa summer that is expected to bring sweltering heat and intense temperatures, United Food Bank has teamed up with the city of Mesa and various other local organizations to launch its annual hydration donation campaign.

Officially known as The Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign, it has a simple goal — 700,000 water bottles donated by Sept. 27.

The water will be distributed to numerous nonprofits throughout Mesa, including Paz de Cristo, A New Leaf and Mesa United Way. They will give the water to the unhoused and other vulnerable populations who will be outside for long periods of time during the summer heat — which can be life-threatening.

“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, during a May 7 press conference. “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.”

According to a press release, the campaign, which first started in 2007, has had over 6.6 million bottles of water donated by the Mesa community over its history. Mesa residents can drop off water at a multitude of locations including the Resurrection Street Ministry at 1135 E. Main St. A full list of locations can be found at https://www.mesaaz.gov/things-to-do/volunteer/hydration-donation.

“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 at the press conference. “Without donations of water, the outcomes of our emergency responses to cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke would be much worse.”

The campaign has already received some large donations. A total of 38,400 bottles were donated by Walmart and 30,240 bottles were donated by Niagara Bottling.

A unique way residents or businesses can donate is through the One Ton Water Challenge. The challenge encourages people to buy a $210 pallet of water that weighs over a ton and contains thousands of bottles inside. Individuals can split the cost with a friend or a larger group. According to the press release, the best way to donate a pallet is to contact Mandy Hodges at mhodges@unitedfoodbank.org.

Community groups as well as businesses are also encouraged to get involved through organizing large-scale donations. It could even become a competition between groups while remaining in good fun. Either way, any donation is help for the cause.

“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 at the press conference. “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.”

The campaign is currently active and lasts until Sept. 27.