By Ethan Kispert

Every summer, the city of Scottsdale brings relief to low income, homebound and isolated seniors through its Beat the Heat program. Like in years past, the city is reaching out to local community members to help it continue to support some of Scottsdale’s most vulnerable residents.

“We just want to make sure that they’re healthy and that they have enough items for the summertime,” says Anya Wright, a human services representative at the Via Linda Senior Center. To help, locals can donate a range of items.

Accepted Items:
• Reusable water bottles
• Drinks (bottled water, Ensure/Boost regular and sugar-free, Gatorade, Propel)
• Nutritional supplements
• Healthy store-bought snacks that are individually wrapped (pretzels, raisins, crackers, trail mix, protein bars)
• Toilet paper
• Tissue
• Paper towels
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Bodywash
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Hand sanitizer
• Small fans
• Chapstick
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Sunscreen
• Book of forever stamps
• $35 Fry’s gift cards

Any senior who enrolls in the program will be visited by the city’s human services staff that will provide them with a care package. Each package will consist of a reusable bag, drinks, snacks, toiletries, note pads, pens, a book of stamps, and a $35 Fry’s gift card.

Staff with the city of Scottsdale will coordinate getting the donations to whoever needs them and assisting them with other needs that may arise.

“Your donation will truly make a difference that has a lasting impact,” says Jennifer Murphy, a human services supervisor with the city of Scottsdale. “Items donated are delivered by caring staff that complete a brief assessment to determine any additional needs. The smiles of appreciation from our senior participants are priceless.”

Anyone who wishes to come and drop a donation off can go to the Via Linda Senior Center, located at 10440 E. Via Linda. The drop-off center will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and items will be accepted through May 27.

The group is also accepting monetary donations, which they note is the most helpful. Checks can be made payable to Scottsdale Community Partners at the address of 7700 E. Roosevelt St., Scottsdale, AZ 85257. You can also donate online at scottsdalecommunitypartners.org/donate.

For more information, contact Anya Wright at 480-312-5811 or send an email to [email protected].

More information can also be found at scottsdalecommunitypartners.org.