NW Valley Times

Volunteers on Monday loaded boxes of food, toiletries, and women’s hygiene products into vehicles during the Resource Rally distribution event sponsored by GCU CityServe, Feed the Children, and The Reborn Church.

When Feed the Children reached out to The Reborn Church to partner and host a food-distribution drive for families in need, the church agreed but faced a logistical issue due to lack of space. They turned to Grand Canyon University’s CityServe for assistance. Director of GCU CityServe Nathan Cooper stated, “Reaching out to the community and helping those in need is very near and dear to GCU’s heart. It was a no-brainer for us to partner with them and be able to meet the needs of the families in this area.”

Cars lined up to receive boxes containing food, toiletries, and women’s hygiene products. Volunteers from Feed the Children, The Reborn Church, and GCU gathered in the CityServe warehouse parking lot on Monday morning to welcome families at their food-distribution drive-thru.

Recipients drove up to check-in points where volunteers provided boxes meant to meet immediate needs. A green box contained 25 pounds of food items like canned goods and perishables, while a blue box held 15 pounds of hygiene essentials such as soap, deodorant, wipes, and more. Books were also distributed.

“These boxes are completely 100% donated products that we have in our distribution center,” said Feed the Children Corporate Events Director Aaron Hazel. “The things families are having to purchase are these items. This is supposed to supplement a family of four for up to a week.”

An additional care package included female toiletries and Avon makeup. Hazel noted, “Most women don’t even take care of themselves because they are trying to figure out how to get groceries and shoes for their kids. It’s a good treat for themselves, and if it is a guy that picks it up, it’s also a good Christmas or birthday gift.”

Working in the Phoenix heat, The Reborn Church pastor Eric Manjarrez encouraged volunteers with Acts 20:35: “At the end of his life, Paul says, ‘This is the example I have set before you.’ Then Paul quotes Jesus and says, ‘It’s more blessed to give than it is to receive.’ All of you giving today, you are being blessed by Jesus as everyone else who receives is also blessed. We want to make an impact. Our aim is not primarily just to give to the community but also to give them the hope of Jesus.”

Emmanuel Malaidza led about 50 volunteers in organizing boxes of food, toiletries, and women’s hygiene products. Through various community connections and events before the main event day, all three partners visited neighboring areas distributing vouchers inviting families.

Families expressed gratitude upon receiving help. Hazel remarked on seeing children receive books: “The most rewarding part is seeing the kids’ faces when they get a book for the first time; most have never owned books.”

Additional families received supplies through a truck-sponsorship program where organizations sponsor trucks filled with enough provisions for 400 families per delivery.

“To have the opportunity to be the feet and voice of Jesus Christ in the marketplace is a privilege for us,” shared GCU Canyon Ventures Director Robert Vera. “Especially during this time of inflation; people are really struggling and we want to give them a lift and be that epidemic of hope.”

GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected].