Phoenix Local Shops to Host Food Drive for House of Heroes

Online, November 12, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Over 40,000 Arizona veterans received SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits between 2009-2011, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. As of November 1st, SNAP (also known as food stamps) benefits have been drastically reduced due to the expiration of a temporary 2009 stimulus package. This change will affect over 900,000 veterans nationwide.

Phoenix Local Shops (PLS), a network of small business owners, is hosting a food drive to benefit House of Heroes of Arizona (HOHAZ), a nonprofit formed to serve and honor military and public safety veterans. The charity was selected through an online poll of their 900+ members as part of a "Giving Back to the Community" program.

Non-perishable food items may be dropped off at PLS networking events and at 3 area locations throughout November (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day). For more information and the event calendar, visit www.phoenixlocalshops.com.

Donation points include the Phoenix Local Shops office at 4801 E McKellips Rd in Mesa, Monday-Friday from 8 am - 5 pm, Ahwatukee Carpets at 15215 S 48th St., Suite 185, in Phoenix, Monday-Thursday from 10 am-6 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am-5 pm, and at Thunderbird Marketplace at 4/55 W Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix, on Friday-Sunday from 10 am-5.pm. For questions, call (480) 280-6709 or email [email protected].

According to Jeff Doehring, founder of PLS, members were given the opportunity to vote online for their favorite nonprofit in October. The top three charities nominated were HOHAZ, St. Mary's Food Bank and the ALS Foundation. HOHAZ was announced the winner on November 1st with 456 votes.

"We are pleased to support local nonprofits. This is our commitment to giving, as business owners, to those who need it most in our community - especially our veterans," adds Doehring, who also plans to announce a donation contest between networking groups on social media at www.facebook.com/PhoenixLocalShops.

The charity, which provides minor home repairs and other assistance to area veterans, was nominated by PLS member, Steve Fisher, President of The Insurance Team, PLLC, and a passionate volunteer for the organization. Fisher says, "These men and women who have served our country deserve our help. I'm proud to be part of this very special program."

House of Heroes (HOH) is a 501(c)(3) service organization that was founded in 2000 to help military and public safety veterans and their spouses. The local chapter, HOHAZ, has helped 5 families since October of 2012 with home repairs and other assistance. Their most recent volunteer project provided one veteran with a new AC unit donated by 4 Your Comfort in Phoenix and plumbing by Sterling Services.

According to Janet Rogers, Executive Director of HOHAZ, "It means so much to us to be selected for the PLS charity drive. Too many vets are receiving no assistance. This support will truly help these "heroes" who often have so little after the sacrifices they have made for all of us."

Rogers founded the Arizona chapter of the nonprofit after her oldest son served in the US Marine Corps and completed two tours of Iraq. "Once he got home I had first-hand experience of the shortcomings in available services for service veterans. If it is so difficult for recently returning soldiers to get help, I soon realized that it's even more difficult for our older vets."

In order to qualify for the program, says Rogers, "Individuals must apply and go through an interview process to determine their needs and if we will be able to assist them." For more information on the application process, interested parties can call Rogers at (602) 565-0192 or email [email protected].

Since HOHAZ was founded, they have provided accessibility modifications for veterans with health issues, a new patio roof, flooring, paint, AC replacement and other repairs. Rogers says that food and clothing is also needed. In addition to the PLS food drive, donations can be made online at www.houseofheroes.org.

Rogers, a realtor with Keller Williams Legacy One, is also grateful for the support her company and others have given the organization. "The local projects we've worked on were completed with financial assistance from Keller Williams, TSYS (a nationwide payment processing company), and Steve Fisher with The Insurance Team, PLLC. We couldn't have helped these veterans and their families without them."

To find about more about Phoenix Local Shops and the Giving Back to the Community Program, call (480) 280-6709, email [email protected] or visit www.phoenixlocalshops.com.