As we celebrate our eleventh Thanksgiving in this great community, we are thankful for all that we have as well as for our ability to give back to those less fortunate. We feel grateful for all the volunteers that make a big difference both in our town and far outside of it. From serving dinner at homeless shelters to providing clean water all over the world through WATERisLIFE, Verrado® residents have a radiant philanthropic spirit that makes us very thankful to be a part of this community.
If you are feeling inspired this season, here are a few ways you can get involved.
Phoenix Rescue Mission
Did you know that since 2007, the Verrado community has sent a team of 6 volunteers to the Phoenix Rescue Mission to serve dinner on the first Thursday of every month? That means 576 volunteer shifts of three hours each, totaling a generous 1,728 resident hours have already been given to this great cause. We served approximately 19,200 meals and fed countless spirits. To get involved, join the Volunteerism Club on Verrado.net. Our next trip will be December 4th.
United Blood Services
Verrado Resident heroes step up to the challenge by saving lives three times a year at our local blood drives. A single donation can save up to 3 lives. Over the last 9 years, local Buckeye residents have potentially saved over 2,000 lives and counting. Join the next drive at the Center on Main™ on Saturday, December 6. See the schedule on UnitedBloodServices.org.
The Joy of Giving
Every year after the tree is lighted and Hometown Holidays are kicked off in Verrado, residents join forces in a donation drive that provides approximately 5,000 families in Buckeye with a Christmas when they would not otherwise have had one. From food to diapers and unwrapped toys, donations are brought to the Verrado Golf Club the first Sunday of December and nearly fill the banquet room. The Joy of Giving committee loads a large moving truck full to be distributed to families in need by Buckeye Outreach for Social Services (B.O.S.S.). Join us at the Verrado Golf Club at 5:00 p.m. on December 7th for hot cocoa and live music, or look for the holiday wrapped donation bins on front porches and in businesses very soon. Details on Verrado.com.
We ♥ Christmas Home Tour
Join Verrado residents on Sunday, December 14th when they open their hearts and homes to share the spirit and sparkle of Christmas. Tickets are $10 and are available for purchase at Verrado Realty, The Center on Main™, or info@weheartchristmas.com. Tickets will also be available on the 14th of December at each participating home on the tour. All proceeds benefit Owl Love You Forever and Homeless Youth Connection. Details on Verrado.com.
Feed My Starving Children
Four years now running, Verrado residents and neighbors have come together with local Summit Community Church to pack rice, vegetables, soy and vitamins to be delivered to malnourished children all over the world. At a cost of just 22 cents a meal for ingredients, our resources can make a huge difference. In two-hour volunteer shifts, we’ve already packed more than 580,000 meals! Join us for the next MobilePack event here at Verrado High School on April 25 and 26th to pack another 200,000 meals. Fundraising $44,000 for the event has already started and is held throughout the community at park parties, dinner parties, lemonade stands, raffles and a silent auction at Verrado’s Founders Day picnic. Details on SummitCC.org.
As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this coming holiday with food, joy and memories, let our neighbors inspire us to ponder ways in which we can give back, as well as to give thanks.