For financial advisors Jeff Schenk and Kristin Spackeen, Ahwatukee isn't just a market on a map; it is the place they call home. They live in the neighborhood, raise their families here and build their business around the long-term well-being of their neighbors. So every autumn, when the national Edward Jones Bag-A-Thon food drive begins, their Ray Road office pivots from traditional wealth management to a hands-on mission: fighting local hunger right in their own backyard.
The initiative originally launched in Arizona 20 years ago after a local advisor witnessed Valley food bank shortages firsthand, and eventually expanded nationwide. As the effort marks its second decade, Schenk and Spackeen have taken that momentum and given it a distinctly personal, Ahwatukee-focused spin.
For the duo, true community impact isn't something handed down from a distant corporate office; it’s a grassroots effort fueled by local relationships, shared values, and neighborly connection.
“In years past we have worked to get other branches to participate in the drive,” says Spackeen. “We have also worked with local organizations to help us in our efforts. We have had multiple schools participate and have seen other branches engage organizations they are close to such as club sports teams or training facilities.”
All of that community participation pays off. Every bag collected at their branch directly supports local food banks like the Midwest Food Bank, United Food Bank and the Kyrene School District’s local pantry.
Spackeen emphasizes the deeper perspective behind their involvement. "We are fortunate to live where and how we do. Not everyone is in that same situation. It's hard to give your best effort to anything else when you're worried about where your next meal is coming from.”
Including their own families in the project is one of the most rewarding aspects of the drive.
“This is a fun way to engage and give back to our community,” says Schenk. “We have been able to include our families and get them excited about giving back through this event.”
Through their ongoing leadership, a routine food drive becomes a point of meaningful local connection, proving that for Schenk and Spackeen, investing in Ahwatukee goes far beyond financial advice.
2026 Bag-A-Thon Drive Details
Collection Window: Oct. 5 – Nov. 13
Drop-off Location: 3930 E. Ray Road, Suite 250, Phoenix, AZ 85044
Branch Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Most Requested Pantry Items:
- Proteins: Canned tuna, chicken or turkey
- Pantry Staples: Rice, pasta, whole-grain/low-sugar cereals
- Hearty Meals: Soups, stews, chili and canned beans
- Produce & Dairy: Canned fruits, vegetables and shelf-stable milk
- Spreads: Peanut butter and natural nut spreads
Note: Nonperishable, unexpired items only. Please avoid glass containers. Monetary donations cannot be accepted at this location.
EdwardJones.com/Jeff-Schenk | EdwardJones.com/Kristin-Spackeen | 480.706.0327
Option 1 PULL QUOTE: "We are fortunate to live where and how we do. Not everyone is in that same situation. It's hard to give your best effort…when you're worried about where your next meal is coming from.”
Option 2 PULL QUOTE: All of that community participation pays off. Every bag collected at their branch directly supports local food banks like the Midwest Food Bank, United Food Bank and the Kyrene School District’s local pantry.