Scorching temperatures are a health hazard to the Valley’s homeless and elderly shut-ins, and one nonprofit organization is mobilizing to prevent heat-related deaths and illnesses among this vulnerable, growing population.
Phoenix Rescue Mission is partnering with several municipalities and businesses to launch its new “Code Red: Summer Heat Relief Campaign” on May 1. While the Mission has conducted annual summer water drives for several years, “Code Red” elevates the urgency of the call to action with a public plea for water, white socks, toiletries, cool snack packs, hats, light-colored T-shirts, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, chilly neck coolers and more.
Volunteers are needed to help with distribution efforts and other tasks. Monetary donations are also requested, particularly in May when the Mission qualifies for a matching grant made possible by several friends of the Phoenix Rescue Mission that ends May 31.
Public drop-off sites for water, socks, sunscreen, hats, toiletries and other heat relief items are located throughout the Valley, including at any Starbucks location. For a complete list of items needed and drop-off locations, visit www.phoenixrescuemission.org or call 602-346-3342.
