Robb Olivieri (left), president of the Melrose Community Alliance joined representatives from Community Church of Hope and organizers from the Woodlea-Melrose neighborhood as the Alliance wrapped its inaugural food drive (submitted photo).
The Melrose Community Alliance has been busy in recent months as they find new ways to connect their community and do some good along the way.
In October, the neighbors partnered with Community Church of Hope in the Melrose District and NourishPHX in downtown Phoenix and collected more than 600 pounds of food for neighbors in need. Part of the drive was a friendly neighborhood competition for the neighborhoods throughout Melrose, of which Woodlea-Melrose won. The organization hopes to hold future food drives on a quarterly basis.
“We really didn’t know what to expect with this being our first food drive, but we were absolutely thrilled by the turnout,” reflected Robb Olivieri, president of the Melrose Community Alliance. “It warms my heart that our community can come together to have such an impact and help those less fortunate, even more so with the holidays around the corner. The neighbors around Melrose really took to it and I can’t wait to do this again.”
In October and November, the group gathered for monthly happy hour events at local establishments – something that they hope to continue into the New Year. In the meantime, the neighborhood is looking forward to celebrating the holiday season as it gears up for it Ninth Annual Merriment in Melrose event, which will take place Saturday Dec. 14, from 2-7 p.m., and will include a tree lighting ceremony at Lyceum Park, on the northwest corner of 7th Avenue and Montecito Avenue. The community event is free to attend and will include live music, food trucks activities and local artisan booths.
Learn more at www.melrosecommunityalliance.com.
