The 2024 iteration of Mesa’s annual hydration donation campaign, which saw residents and companies donate water bottles to be given to people in need during the summer heat, was its most successful ever.
The campaign collected 1,014,160 bottles between May 6 and Sept. 27, smashing not only the goal of 700,000 but also breaking the previous record of 836,154 bottles set in 2015, according to a press release.
Water bottles were collected by the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, United Food Bank, Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Paz de Cristo, Resurrection Street Ministry, A New Leaf and several other organizations.
“We’re truly thankful for the incredible support we received during this year’s Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign. Thanks to the generosity of our residents, businesses, and community organizations, we didn’t just meet our goal — we exceeded it. Once again, our community came together to make a big impact,” said Jason Reed, United Food Bank President and CEO, in a press release.
Five organizations — Nexus, Global Roofing, Mesa Rotary, Tan Hau and Clayco/NTT — donated 36 pallets; another 336,000 water bottles were given by various data centers; and Walmart donated 38,400 bottles.
“Getting a record number of bottles during record-breaking heat for the Hydration Donation Campaign shows that Mesa is a community of caring people who are willing to come together to support a tremendous cause,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles in a press release.
Donated water bottles were distributed by United Food Bank to numerous nonprofits across the Valley, including Resurrection Street Ministry, Paz de Cristo, Mesa United Way, A New Leaf-East Valley Men’s Center and more.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in the Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign. Together our community stepped up to donate more than 1 million bottles. We are grateful for the Data Center community and so many Chamber members and friends who said yes when asked,” said Sally Harrison, president and CEO of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.
