Community Invited to Support Harvest Compassion Center Registration now open for October 30 fundraising event

By Dan Shufelt
Photos Courtesy of Harvest Compassion Center

Harvest Compassion Center (HCC) provides essential needs to our North 32nd neighbors, many of whom are recovering from the effects of COVID-19. Located at the northwest corner of Tatum and Thunderbird at 4744 E. Thunderbird Road, Ste. 9, is one of three centers the organization operates where food and clothing are distributed in a hope-filled environment to the underserved from throughout the greater Phoenix area.

Utilizing a small staff supported by an army of volunteers, in 2020, the three centers served almost 9,000 families with food, clothing, hygiene items, diapers, and more. Founded by Bob and Gaye Swayback as a tribute to their son, Mitchell, who died tragically in a drowning accident at the young age of 23, HCC honors his memory through service to others.

The centers are filled with families receiving compassion along with food, clothing and other basic necessities they need for daily life. The staff and volunteers are focused on caring about the families who enter the doors and helping in any way they can to ease the burdens they are experiencing.

HCC relies on community support to continue their mission. New or gently used clothing, along with personal care items, diapers and nonperishable food is always needed, even more so today as families continue to deal with the stresses brought about by the pandemic.

This year, HCC is hosting the Run1 Feed1 Race 2021. Since the pandemic limits coming together in person for the event, they are encouraging the community to join in and raise funds virtually to feed and support local families who are recovering from challenges.

On October 30, all you need to do is get outside and enjoy life by running, walking, hiking or any activity you choose. The goal is to have 70 participants who each raise $500 through donations. Registration is free and all registrants will receive a Run1 Feed1 2021 goody bag. Learn more at harvestcompassioncenter.org.

Dan Shufelt, the former CEO of Arizona Helping Hands, has been involved in the charity world as an executive and grant maker for many years. If you enjoy learning of caring people and the amazing work they devote their energy to advance, sign up to receive Dan’s blog posts at givingback-movingforward.com. Dan can be reached at [email protected].