It’s the season of giving, which for many Ahwatukee residents means giving back to charitable causes close to their hearts. Whether you’re looking to provide a one-time donation or want a go-to place to volunteer on an ongoing basis, here are some local nonprofits to consider.
The Y OPAS
At Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, “The Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors (OPAS) is a volunteer program that aims to meet the needs of the growing senior population in Ahwatukee with the goal of enabling seniors to maintain independent living in their own homes,” according to the organization. Volunteer services provided free of charge to Ahwatukee seniors include transportation, shopping and errands, caregiver relief, friendly visiting and phoning, basic business help, minor home repairs, and information and referral services. The nonprofit can use help with volunteer services and monetary donations. For more information call 602-212-6088 or email opas@vosymca.org.
2nd Time Parenting
Across the United States, more than 2.9 million grandchildren are living in homes with their grandparents—and here in Arizona, more than 60,000 “grandfamilies” need support. Founded by Ahwatukee resident CeCe Vance, 2nd Time Parenting's mission is to assist grandparents raising grandchildren by providing resources for their grandchildren's immediate needs and empowering families through advocating for better legislation. This holiday season, they will be hosting a holiday toy drive for the families they serve; toy donation boxes will be set up at all five Valley Arriba Mexican Grill locations, including the Ahwatukee locale. Follow them on Facebook @2ndTimeParenting for more details. 2ndTimeParenting.org
Lost Our Home Pet Rescue
Lost Our Home Pet Rescue has been serving Valley pets and families since 2008 as a grassroots response to the housing crisis that left thousands of people displaced and thousands of pets abandoned, according to the organization. They offer a variety of unique services, including a temporary pet care program, a pet food bank, a pet rescue program, a low-income boarding program, and a partnership with a domestic violence shelter. They have multiple upcoming fundraising events and are always in need of volunteers and donations. LostOurHome.org
Treasures 4 Teachers
According to a recent survey, teachers spend an average of $750 of their own money on school supplies. Treasures 4 Teachers (T4T) is a nonprofit resource and supply store serving the educators of Arizona. T4T is a donation-based operation, meaning they are able provide low cost and free school supplies to educators. To do so, they depend on charitable donations, volunteer time, and donated products and resources. Treasures4Teachers.org
Time
Nearly one-third of Arizona’s residents volunteer, giving more than 160 million hours of service annually, according to the most recent statistics from ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation. Not only does volunteering benefit both the volunteer and those they help, but it can provide billions (yes, with a ‘b’) of dollars in estimated value.
Talent
Another way to give back to local nonprofits includes utilizing your unique talents to benefit your favorite charitable cause. This often falls under offering professional services for free; for example, tax advice, newsletter editing, maintenance and repair, and more.
Treasure
Arizonans give an average of $3 billion dollars each year to the state’s nearly 20,000 nonprofits, according to IndependentSector.org. If the organization can benefit from it, in-kind donations such as physical donations (toiletries, pet food, etc.), are often welcome as well.