Phoenix Rescue Mission’s annual Hungry for Change holiday campaign is fast approaching.

The nonprofit which supports underserved Valley communities created the campaign in 2020 to raise awareness primarily by treating the symptoms of hunger through addressing root causes that stem from a lack of vocational development, education, counseling, mental health services and other resources.

This year’s campaign runs from Sunday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 31.

“Through this campaign, we are able to provide food boxes with pantry items, plus the chance to learn about educational opportunities, workforce development, job opportunities, counseling, case management, addiction recovery services and many other life-transforming resources,” Ken Brissa, Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO, shared in a press release.

The campaign relies on public support and makes it easy for residents to help, either through volunteering, making a donation online, or by bringing food and other needed items directly to Phoenix Rescue Mission.

The campaign will feature several events, including Mobile Pantries, Frozen Turkey Saturday, Thanksgiving and Christmas outreach events and drives for Thanksgiving turkeys, non-perishable foods, and Christmas gifts for families in need.

This year’s schedule is as follows:

Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7: Laveen Mobile Pantry

During the newly established Laveen Mobile Pantry, Phoenix Rescue Mission will distribute canned and dry foods and hygiene products ranging from paper towels and toilet paper to cleaning supplies and personal care items. There is no cost to participate, ID is required, and the event will be located at Christ Church of the Valley Laveen (4343 W. Baseline Road) from 8 to 10 a.m.

Oct. 14 & 28, Nov. 11 & 25 and Dec. 9 & 23: West Phoenix Mobile Pantry

Created to decrease food insecurity and improve food accessibility across the Valley, the Mobile Pantry initiative will visit the Murphy neighborhood to connect with disadvantaged families, provide them with bags of non-perishable foods and hygiene supplies, and help them access the resources to end their cycle of poverty. The public is encouraged to stop by the event at Ministerio Un Ejercito Para Cristo (4013 W. Maricopa St.) from 10 a.m. to noon, or as long as supplies last.

Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19: South Mountain Mobile Pantry

Created to distribute food and hygiene items that are donated by individuals, businesses, and churches in the community, food bags, hygiene items and cleaning supplies will be given to families while supplies last. The public is encouraged to stop by from 9 to 11 a.m. at the First New Life Church (1902 W. Roeser Road). There is no cost to participate. ID is required.

Contact 602-346-3383 or email outreachevents@phxmission.org for information about these three events.

Nov. 11: Frozen Turkey Saturday

The event aims to collect more than 1,500 turkeys, which will be delivered directly to families in need during the Mission’s Thanksgiving Outreach Event and at the Hope for Hunger Food Bank. The public is encouraged to stop by the drive-thru event at the Mission’s Hope for Hunger Food Bank (5605 N. 55th Ave., Glendale) to donate a frozen turkey and non-perishable Thanksgiving foods between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Contact 602-346-3347 or email gikhelp@phxmission.org.

Nov. 18: Public Thanksgiving Outreach Event

The annual drive-thru event at Sullivan Elementary School (2 N. 31st Ave.) will distribute turkeys and sides, food bags, and hygiene kits. There is no registration required and first come are first served from 9 a.m. to noon or as long as supplies last. Sign up at phxmission.org/volunteer to volunteer at this event.

Dec. 16: Winter Wonderland Community Event

The Mission is partnering with local businesses, churches, and individuals to collect new, unwrapped toys, nonperishable foods, and toiletries. Gifts can be collected by hand or purchased on the Mission’s Amazon Charity List at phxmission.org/christmaslist. The Mission will then provide the supplies to families in need. Sign up at phxmission.org/volunteer to volunteer at this event.

Phoenix Rescue Mission supports underserved Valley communities since creating the campaign in 2020.