Having settled into a new home at 3110 E Thunderbird Road in Phoenix, Arizona Helping Hands is wasting no time in expanding services to children in foster care and involving our community in new and exciting ways.

In December, the organization provided holiday toys to 8,000 children through their 20th Holiday Toy Drive. More than 100 businesses participated in toy collection programs to make the holidays joyful for so many.

The year ended with the Mac & Gaydos KTAR Caring for Kids collection drive filling the warehouse with diapers and more. 250,000+ diapers were collected through the event sponsored by Canyon State Credit Union. Collection boxes were also filled throughout December at all local Walgreens locations. On New Years’ Eve, 70 volunteers from the University of Central Florida, who were in town for the Fiesta Bowl, spent time sorting and organizing the vast quantity of donations. The team mascot, Knightro, along with the “Momsquad” (football player’s moms), alumni, spirit team, University president and other faculty and staff participated in this community give-back opportunity.

2019 began with a two-day event on January 3 and 4, as back to school clothing was provided for hundreds of children in foster care. In partnership with the Assistance League of Phoenix, and with funding from the BHHS Legacy Foundation, Operation School Bell gave boys and girls a brand new wardrobe.

Dan Shufelt, President and CEO of Arizona Helping Hands, tells us that with 15,000+ kids in foster care, there is so much work to do. “We love being able to provide support to kids throughout the State of Arizona. We can do nothing without support from the community. We strive to put smiles on the faces of boys and girls who haven’t seen enough joy in their lives. Through collaboration and working together, we all can make a difference for kids in foster care!”

The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation provided the lead gift to the Arizona Helping Hands $3 million capital campaign, enabling the organization to move into their new 18,000 square foot home and to accommodate these increased programs.

To learn more, visit www.azhelpinghands.org.