Giving Season: How to Help the Helping Hands

For 15 years, In&Out Magazine has been the definitive source of “Everything that’s going on” in and out of the community. We thank you, our readers, as well as the businesses that support the magazine through advertising, for that opportunity. But with little going on, and many businesses suspending or canceling their ads during the Covid-19 crisis, we are suspending publication of the magazine and web sites for the month of May. 


During this giving season, there are numerous worthy charities in the North Valley to consider. Here are a few that are doing great things for those in need.

Smiles 4 Sick Children

Providing toys and gifts for children at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, this North Valley-based charity has its roots in honoring the life of one young girl who passed away too early. It has grown from providing 245 toys and 40 donors in 2013 to 2,400 toys and 300 donors last year. Drop off new, unwrapped toys at Prickett Realty (42104 N. Venture Drive, Suite C-118, Anthem), or mail checks to “Smiles For Sick Children, c/o Brian Billideau, 2114 W. Legends Way, Anthem, AZ 85086. Visit www.smiles4sickchildren.com for more information or see this PDF for giving guidelines.

Holiday Helpers

Last holiday season, Daisy Mountain Veterans provided gifts for 282 children and meals to 48 families in need. This year DMV is partnering with Youth for Troops and other local nonprofits, businesses and individuals to “adopt” families in need from Carefree Highway to New River. All donations—non-perishable food, new toys and gift cards—stay local in the Anthem area. Drop-off locations through Dec. 20: Anthem Civic Building, Mojo’s Spot Pet Store, the Mattress Center, Crossroads Church, Das Pooch Grooming and The Tee Shirt Shoppe (plus PostNet for gift cards). To learn what and how to donate, email . 

Salvation Army Angel Tree

Here’s a way to directly fulfill a child’s wish. Two trees at Outlets at Anthem (one between Gap and Banana Republic and one at Customer Service inside the food court) hold Angel tags with requests from children throughout the Valley. Donations can be made at Customer Service through Dec. 20. (Note: Money collected by Salvation Army bell-ringers is used to provide shelter, meals and after-school and substance-abuse programs.)

Foothills Food Bank

This local charity provides food and financial assistance to seniors, the homeless and more than 500 families each month along the I-17 corridor from Pinnacle Peak Road to Black Canyon City. It accepts one-time or member-based financial contributions, as well as direct donations of food and hygiene items. See website for donation locations, plus an updated wish list of most-needed items. 


Staff Writers
North Phoenix News staff writers and editors often work together to produce articles like this one.

Staff Writers

North Phoenix News staff writers and editors often work together to produce articles like this one.

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