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Sun City Posse needs contributions for operations

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Every day the Sun City Posse is here for you and now we need you to be here for us.

It is our annual fundraising effort and your kindness and generosity will make a difference.

Every day our mailboxes are stuffed with solicitation letters, junk mail, slick flyers offering us everything from a deal on air conditioners, to hearing aids, to new cars; but it is the annual fundraising letter from the Posse that truly puts the blessing in giving. The Posse has conducted its annual fundraiser for more than 40 years. This is the money we use to cover our operating budget and these are the donations that keep the Posse’s doors open.

Last year with COVID-19 challenging every aspect of our lives, we weren’t thinking about much beyond our own health and safety and that of our friends and neighbors. But during that yearlong struggle, the Posse was here for you patrolling the streets, following up on emergency calls and just being ready to assist.

Now I know that you are thinking, more out-of-pockets expenses. But hold on. One of the major misconceptions about the Posse is that we receive all kinds of money from outside sources. Not true! We do not receive any government funds or any kind of subsidies or entitlements. The Recreation Center of Sun City and some other organizations contributes to the Posse as a way of saying “thank you” for patrolling the streets. But that is it.

Last year, our family of volunteers donated 53,000 hours to see to your needs and the needs of the community. Our funds are used to maintain our building and equipment and to purchase patrol vehicles. We patrol Sun City’s residential and business areas and report suspicious activity to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to the numerous programs we offer, the Posse has a Vacation Watch program, for summer vacant properties, and we assist with locating missing or lost residents. We also provide support to the Sun City Fire and Medical Department on their emergency calls. That is just the start because we do so much more. We host the Take Back Drugs initiative, we conduct safety seminars and, along with the MSCO, we have helped gather school supplies and Christmas gifts for the youngsters in Aguila, one of Arizona’s poorest communities.

“Our annual fundraising drive is important,” Posse Commander Dave Miller said. “Unlike the requests from people and organizations we don’t know, this request is truly personal to you and to us, because we are the people who look after your safety by patrolling the streets and just watching out for you. Whatever your needs, our dedicated men and women, in their grey and black uniforms, stand ready to help.”

The energy again behind this year’s fundraising efforts is Posse 1st Lt. Carol Perko. She and her volunteers do all of the work, including stuffing envelopes to make the fundraising effort a true success. Because the Posse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your donation is tax deductible.

So, sit down, write a check and place it in the self-addressed envelope and mail or bring it to our headquarters at 10861 Sunland Drive. If you prefer, there is information on how you can charge the donation to your credit card.

“And thank you,” the commander added. “Every dollar helps make us the organization you have come to expect.”

Editor’s Note: Diana Graettinger is Sun City Posse public information officer.