Record set for most water donated at a Tempe community drive

Tempe residents, businesses and faith partners donated nearly 15,000 bottles of water to help neighbors in need during the July 30 Breakfast with Berdetta hosted by Councilmember Berdetta Hodge, setting a record in Tempe for the most water donated in a single community drive.

A city release stated the successful water drive couldn’t have come at a more vital time, with the greater Phoenix experiencing the hottest June on record.

Thanks to Tempe’s community, more people will stay cool, hydrated and safe throughout the summer season, which runs from May 1 to Sept. 30. All donations benefit the city’s cooling centers and HOPE homeless outreach team, according to the release.

Hodge stated in the release her gratitude to all the individuals, businesses and organizations that donated bottled water at her first community drive.

“I urge Tempeans to please consider the needs of those who are adversely affected by extreme heat,” Hodge stated. “Please know that you can save lives by giving back at events such as the one we recently held.”

Donors to the water drive ran the gamut, from corporate donors Swire Coca-Cola and Google Fiber delivering multiple pallets of water to a Tempe couple dropping off a single case of water to do their part, the release stated.

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 said, “could actually save a life.”

Donor Cedric Collins, who was raised by his grandparents, was especially concerned about vulnerable older adults.

“Some of them are alone and they may not have access to water,” Collins stated in the release. “I just love serving the community with people like Councilwoman Hodge.”

The city of Tempe has 10 cooling centers around the community that are available to all. Stop in for a bottle of water, cool air conditioning and to connect with resources.

Residents are encouraged to visit tempe.gov/HeatRelief for cooling center locations, heat safety tips, utility assistance, A/C repair program details and more. The city's CARE & HOPE Line at 480-350-8004 is also available 24/7 to help anyone in crisis or experiencing homelessness connect to city and community resources.

According to the release, those who missed the drive still have time to give. Donations can be dropped off at our July water drive partners: Hundred Mile Brewing, Church of the Epiphany, Community Christian Church and University Presbyterian Church. Hundred Mile is offering a $100 gift card to one lucky donor.