The Arizona Way

Shoebox Ministry Collects Hygiene Kits for Arizonans in Need

Shoebox Ministry, based in Phoenix, is collecting hygiene kits to donate to Crossroads Mission, which supports those facing substance abuse issues. Shoebox Ministry has continued their work, partnering with other organizations in the state to donate hygiene kits.

Senior Placement Services Hosts Supply Drive For Veteran Homeless Shelters

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Senior Placement Services (SPS) hosted a food and supply drive to benefit veteran homeless shelters in Arizona. Between April and June, SPS delivered 400 bags of food and hygiene supplies to Arizona veterans at Horace Steele Commons and Victory Place in Phoenix.

Kuttyz Back to School Take Over Provides Yuma Students with Backpacks, School Supplies

As part of the Kuttyz Back to School Take Over, community members came together in Yuma to distribute backpacks and school supplies to youth, donating more than 900 backpack total. The third annual event took place in a time when some parents lost employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the group expanded efforts to help more children than ever.

AZ National Guard Honors Frontline Workers with Plane Flyover

The Arizona National Guard honored Arizona’s frontline healthcare workers and first responders on May 1 with a special flyover from Luke Air Force Base over the Metro-Phoenix area. Fifteen aircrafts were part of the honorary 50-mile flight, including the 56th Fighter Wing, 944th Fighter Wing, and Arizona National Guard 161st Air Refueling Wing.

Arizona Lights Blue to Honor Healthcare Workers, First Responders

Governor Doug Ducey recently announced the #LightAZBlue campaign, lighting the Arizona Capitol blue and calling on buildings and structures across the state to join honoring healthcare workers and first responders working to keep Arizonans healthy and safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.

ASU Starts PPE Response Network Connecting Hospitals with Supplies

Arizona State University has responded to the COVID-19 outbreak by ramping up a comprehensive initiative to design, produce and distribute critically needed personal protective equipment and other medical supplies to hospitals around the Valley. ASU unveiled a new website called the PPE Response Network that links hospitals that with needed equipment for patient treatment.

NAU, Works with Tribal Communities to Provide WiFi for Students

Northern Arizona University recently received clearance from Navajo and Hopi leadership to extend Wi-Fi from buildings to parking lots in select locations, allowing students to access online classes from their vehicles while practicing social distancing. These parking lot hotspots are open to students from any K-12 and college institution and will provide internet access for any mobile device, including laptops and smartphones.

UArizona Works to Produce Needed COVID-19 Test Kits

The University of Arizona is addressing the shortage of COVID-19 collection kits, working to produce specimen collection kits to increase testing capabilities and keep more Arizonans safe and healthy.

Hayden Butte 'A' Blue, Honoring Healthcare Workers, First Responders

Neighborhood Group Uses Chalk Art to Bring Joy, Hope to Mesa Residents

AZ Historical Society Offers Virtual Resources

Arizona Historical Society, is working to build their online presence in an effort to continue educating Arizonans on the state's rich history, while museums are temporarily closed. The program brings virtual history lessons and resources directly to Arizonans at home and at no cost.

National Guard Members Support Homeless Vets

Arizona Army National Guard members (and brothers) Chad and Trevor started SheepDog to support homeless veterans, and are now distributing essential immunity supplies to veterans to help combat COVID-19.

Getting Students Connected to Virtual Learning

The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation partnered with Data Doctors, Cox Communications, and Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology to provide laptop access to K-12 students. 

Midwestern University Supports First Responders with PPE

Midwestern University is providing first responders with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Glendale Fire and Police Departments printed on their 3D printing machines to ensure proper protection while these frontline workers continue serving Glendale residents.

Buckeye Group Connects Neighbors with Support

Buckeye residents started the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” campaign using social media to connect west valley residents with groceries and other basic necessities.

#FeedTheFrontlineAZ Campaign Sends Meals to Healthcare Workers

The Arizona Interscholastic Association's #FeedTheFrontlineAZ campaign was created to purchase meals to those offering care and safety. Every $7 donated will ensure a full meal is provided for a healthcare worker or first responder in our great state. Please help in achieving our goal of taking care of those who are taking care of others.

Yuma Couple Starts Free Food Pantry

A husband and wife team in Yuma last week opened the Yuma Little Free Pantry, an exchange set up in their home that makes available free grocery and toiletry items for others in the community.

ICAN Engages Teens with Craft Kits

ICAN, a nonprofit that offers programs and educational services to East Valley teens, is distributing free craft kits to help keep Arizona youth stay engaged while schools are closed.

MST Solutions Buys and Delivers Groceries to Seniors

Chandler-based, MST Solutions recently committed $10,000 and staff hours to buy and deliver groceries to Arizona seniors. The project supplied groceries to more than 100 seniors in Arizona, ensuring they could stay home and safe from exposure to COVID-19.

Tucsonans Donate Stimulus Money to Help Others

Tucsonans supporting others during the COVID-19 outbreak by donating their federal stimulus checks to local charities that serve Arizona communities.

Barrio Cafe Provides Meals, Groceries to Families

Phoenix based, Barrio Cafe worked to serve fresh meals and provide groceries to families in need.

Expanding COVID-19 Testing for Arizonans

A partnership between the State of Arizona, health care providers and universities will increase access to testing through the Arizona Testing Blitz. The Arizona Department of Health services is aiming to test 10,000 to 20,000 Arizonans for COVID-19 every Saturday for three consecutive weeks, beginning May 2. Testing will be available to individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19, based on criteria set by each testing site.

Four Peaks Rotary Club Raises Funds to Support Families in Need

The Four Peaks Rotary Club in Fountain Hills, expanded its efforts to provide goods, services and financial support to Arizonans in need in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The group recently contributed $5,000 to the Extended Hands Food Bank and supported families in need with the donation of food gift cards for local grocery stores. The groups efforts have also reached the Navajo Nation, where they have delivered water and supplied to homes.

Mochilero Kitchen Delivers Meals to UMOM

Peoria restaurant Mochilero Kitchen is delivering 500 meals to UMOM New Day Centers, an organization that works to prevent and end homelessness, to help support families in need.

Iconic Arizona, Goodfellas Merch Team-up to Raise Funds for AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund

Iconic Arizona and Goodfellas Merch teamed up to create the Always Arizona/Arizona Together Tee to raise funds for the AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund. All proceeds from shirt sales directly support the relief fund which is providing financial support to organizations working to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Arizonans.

IKEA Donates Supplies to AZ Enrichment Centers, Supporting Frontline Workers with Childcare

IKEA located in Tempe donated educations items and other supplies to the Arizona Enrichment Centers, launched by Governor Ducey to provide childcare to healthcare workers, public safety officials and other critical employees. IKEA also donated items to the Arizona Department of Child Safety to support Foster Care and Permanency Programs. 

Safeway and Albertson's Employees Surprise Nurses with Flowers

Safeway and Albertson's grocery store employees surprised nurses at Phoenix's Valleywise Health Medical Center with flower bouquets and other gifts in honor of National Nurses Day and their commitment to keeping Arizonans healthy amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

Photo: Fox10 Phoenix

Sonora Quest Offers COVID-19 Antibody Testing

Sonora Quest Laboratories announced it will offer COVID-19 antibody testing in Arizona starting with 1,000 to 3,000 tests per day, and increasing as supplies become available. In early-May, Sonora Quest plans to offer this testing to consumers without needing a provider’s order or insurance benefits.

Cisco Expands WiFi Internet Access to High-Need Communities

Cisco is working to expand WiFi internet access to high-need communities in partnership with Arizona State libraries. Cisco will install new external wireless access points at local libraries, allowing students conducting distance learning and enable the public to access WiFi from outside the building.

Honeywell to Produce PPE for Healthcare Workers

In support of COVID-19 response efforts, Honeywell is adding a face mask production operation at its Phoenix Engines campus in Arizona to produce needed protection for healthcare professionals.

Delta Dental Donates 36,000 Toothbrushes to Homeless Shelters

Delta Dental AZ donated 36,000 toothbrushes to homeless shelters around the state. The number of 36,000 total donated toothbrushes came from the estimated number of homeless individuals in the state.

Joy Bus Diner Provides Meals to Cancer Patients

After deciding to close temporarily, Phoenix based Joy Bus Diner opened their kitchen to provide food to cancer patients around the valley in partnership with Phoenix Cancer Support Network. Every Wednesday, organic meals are cooked and delivered to 50 patients at their home.

COX Offers Free Advertising to Local Restaurants

Cox Media is offering free advertising to local restaurants. The Arizona Restaurant Association is using this opportunity to launch and promote creative “Take Out” campaigns that benefit the broader food community.

Local Breweries Support Sanitation Needs of Hospitals, Local Communities

Arizona local beer and distilling companies including O.H.S.O, SanTan, Helluva, Thunder Canyon, Blue Clover, Elgin Distillery among others are producing hand sanitizer for frontline employees and healthcare workers. 

Arizona Compounding Facility Manufactures Hand Sanitizer for Arizona Health Care Workers

Covetrus and its affiliate Atlas Pharmaceuticals operating in the Phoenix area, has manufactured 1,000 bottles of hand sanitizer and donated them to the Arizona Department of Health Services for distribution to medical personnel throughout the state. Atlas Pharmaceuticals is also working to make more sanitizer and additional medications to mitigate shortages due to the COVID-19 crisis. 

On-site Car Repair Company Donating Free Service to Those Severely Impacted by COVID-19

RepairSmith is expanding to the greater Phoenix area and donating $10,000 in free on-site car repair services to frontline workers or those unemployed as a result of COVID-19. Applications from government workers, service workers, delivery drivers, healthcare professionals, employees of grocery stores and pharmacies and volunteers are being accepted. Repairs will be completed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Arizona Cardinals Promote Local Dining

Cardinals Carry-Out program assists independent, locally-owned restaurants that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis while also recognizing nurses, doctors and other medical personnel.

Food Truck Vendors Support Commercial Drivers

Following Governor Doug Ducey's executive order expanding food options for commercial drivers, allowing food trucks to operate at state rest areas, food trucks set up to serve food at eight Arizona Department of Transportation rest areas to the long-haul truck drivers keeping Arizona's supply chains running and residents supplied with food and essentials.

Hickman’s Family Farms, Shamrock Farms Offer Food Support

Hickman’s Family Farms and Shamrock Farms are teaming up with the Department of Child Safety to donate milk and eggs to foster families at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix.

Coyotes Commit Support to Relief Efforts

Arizona Coyotes President and CEO Ahron Cohen and President of Hockey Operations and General Manager John Chayka each announced they would be donating 20% of their salaries to the AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund and other Arizona non-profits.

Wells Fargo Supports Community Organizations

The Wells Fargo Foundation is making two $50,000 donations, one to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix and to the Foundation for Senior Living to support their community response efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Honeywell to Produce PPE for Healthcare Workers

In support of COVID-19 response efforts, Honeywell is adding a face mask production operation at its Phoenix Engines campus in Arizona to produce needed protection for healthcare professionals.

Boeing Manufatures Face Shields for Healthcare Professionals

The Boeing manufacturing facility in Mesa is producing the reusable 3D-printed face shields to be donated to healthcare professionals fighting the COVID-19 outbreak.

Brooklyn Bedding Offers Beds to Arizona Hospitals

Brooklyn Bedding, located in Phoenix, is partnering with Arizona healthcare providers to make hospital beds and other supplies available to accommodate increased need for care as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Flagstaff Distillery Supplies Tuba City Hospital with Sanitation Supplies

With limited sanitation supplies available, Flagstaff-based Canyon Diablo Spirits and Distillery, provided 36-gallons of hand sanitizer for the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC), supporting patient care in the region.

Piper Trust Offers Grants to Nonprofit Groups

The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust has announced emergency grants totaling $6.3 million to science, human services, and arts and culture nonprofits in Maricopa County.

Desert Financial Supports Critical Community Services

Desert Financial donated $550,000 to Valley Food Banks and United Way to support critical community needs amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

Diamondbacks Offer Community Support

The Arizona Diamondbacks have donated over $1 million to nonprofit organizations focused on emergency food supply, child care support for healthcare professionals, and support for healthcare providers.

PHX Suns Support Arizona Nonprofits

Phoenix Suns Charities will support to local nonprofits providing assistance to Arizonans. The team has also partnered with Levy Restaurants to donate thousands of pounds of food to local non-profits.

Willmeng Construction Donates N95 Masks to Honor Health

Willmeng Construction, recently donated their entire supply of N95 masks to medical professionals at Honor Health treating COVID-19 patients.

100 Club Provides First Responders Mental Health Resources

The 100 Club of Arizona is providing first responders with mental health resources as they cope with the COVID-19 outbreak. The Bulletproof and Fireproof mobile apps provide information and resources to help users navigate their mental health, physical goals, relationships and other healthy habits.

Hyundai of Yuma Offers Free Oil Changes to Frontline Workers

Hyundai of Yuma is offering free oil changes to all nurses, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, police officers local, county, State and Federal, border patrol and healthcare workers. Interested frontline workers can click here to schedule an appointment through April 30.

Free Coffee for Frontline Employees

Starbucks Coffee Company announced Wednesday that they are offering free coffee to responders on the front line of the coronavirus outbreak through Sunday, May 3.

Free Doughnuts for First Responders

Krispy Kreme is giving a free dozen donuts to first responders, every Monday through May 4th in support of the efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Support for First Responders and Healthcare Workers

Magellan Health is offering 24-hour free clinical support to address the mental health and emotional well-being concerns of first responders and healthcare workers across the country. The toll-free number for critical workers for mental health support is 1-800-327-7451 (TTY 711).

Hotel Rooms for Healthcare Workers

The #HospitalityHelps program has created a registry of available beds and complementary lodging for healthcare professionals or individuals needing to quarantine. More than 1 million beds have been committed to date! Click here to learn more.

Dominos Franchises Donate Pizzas to Frontline Healthcare Workers

More than 84 Domino’s Pizza franchises throughout Maricopa County are donating 200 pizzas each, including delivering pizzas to more than 2,000 frontline staff members at HonorHealth’s five medical centers. 

Frontline Fry's Employees Get "Hero Bonus"

Fry's Food Stores gives 'Hero Bonus' to hourly frontline grocery and pharmacy employees- a $2 premium above their standard base rate of pay, applied to hours worked March 29 through April 18.

Jersey Mike's Sends Sandwiches to Healthcare Workers

Jersey Mike's is donating subs and meals to the healthcare workers at valley hospitals, including Phoenix Children's, Arizona General Hospital, University Medical Center, and Abrazo Health - more than 700 meals have been donated to date.

Restaurants Offer Meals to Healthcare Workers

Aioli Burger in Phoenix and The Pizza Patio in Flagstaff are donating meals to doctors, nurses and other hospital staff, as they work around the clock to care for others during the COVID-19 outbreak.