Did you ever wonder how many bottles get squeezed into those tightly wrapped cases of portable drinking water so popular during our summer months? Answer: About two dozen—unless, of course, a few fall out. Using Tempe’s calculation, that comprises the 15,000 thirst-quenching (and indeed welcome) handouts from concerned city residents, businesses and faith partners distributed during a particularly hot spell in recent weeks.
The event set a record, gulp, for the most water ever donated in a single community drive. It couldn’t have come at a more vital time, say city officials. Valley neighborhoods are being scorched by another heat record this year, the earliest ever for this many 110-degree days. And it was the hottest June on record, as well. Thanks to the Tempe community’s generosity, more people stayed cool, hydrated and safe throughout the summer season, which runs through Monday, Sept. 30. Donations benefit the city’s cooling centers and members of the city’s homeless outreach team.
“I am extremely grateful for all the individuals, businesses and organizations that donated bottled water for my inaugural community water drive,” said Tempe Councilmember Berdetta Hodge. Together, she said, the group we collected nearly 15,000 bottles of water, a new record for Tempe,” Hodge noted.
At the same time, she urged city residents to consider the needs of those who are adversely affected by extreme heat, noting that lives can be saved by giving back at events such as the one recently held. Donors to the campaign ran the gamut, from corporate donors Swire Coca-Cola and Google Fiber delivering multiple pallets of water to distribution points, to a Tempe couple dropping off a single case of water “to do their part.”
Calvary Fellowship Church Pastor Omar Millan showed up with several cases as part of the church’s mission to give back to the community. A bottle of water, he noted, “could actually save a life.” Donor Cedric Collins, who said he was raised by grandparents, said he was especially concerned about vulnerable older adults.
“Some of them are alone and they may not have access to water,” he said. Tempe city staffmembers have been operating 10 cooling centers around the community, noting that all are welcome to stop by for a bottle of water, relax in the air conditioned premises and connect with resources. People needed information or help have been encouraged to visit tempe.gov/HeatRelief for cooling center locations, heat safety tips, utility assistance, air-conditioning repair program details and more.
The city’s CARE & HOPE Line at 480-350-8004 is also available 24/7 to help those who may be in crisis or are experiencing homelessness connect to city and community resources. Note: For any who may have missed a recent water collection drive,there’s still time to give. Donations can be dropped off at Hundred Mile Brewing, Church of the Epiphany, Community Christian Church or University Presbyterian Church. Hundred Mile Brewing is offering a $100 gift card to one donor selected among those who use any of the available dropoff points.
