With temperatures hitting as high as 118 degrees in Phoenix last year, a Valley food bank is reaching out to the public for donations of water bottles in anticipation of the summer heat. Trying to get ahead of any potential heatwaves that are bound to hit Phoenix, St. Mary’s Food Bank is attempting to procure as many water bottles as they possibly can

Jerry Brown, who is a volunteer at the food bank stated, that the agency was in dire need of water. They are anticipating the temperatures to rise up to 125 degrees this year. Mr. Brown recalled, “The last time the weather went like this, we went through a truckload of water in a very quick period of time.”

Although St. Mary’s Food Bank will be happy to take water bottles of any size, Mr. Brown did encourage that 16-ounce water bottles be the donation of choice. He explained, “They’re the easiest ones for folks to carry and drink but, any size bottle of water – in any container that’s closed – we will be happy to accept.”

Goodwill of Arizona has joined St. Mary’s in this charitable endeavor. Over 70 Goodwill’s located throughout the valley will serve as drop-off locations for water bottle donations. The collections will continue throughout next week.

The National Weather Service has advised that the mercury could hit up to 123 degrees on Wednesday.  In anticipation, Mr. Brown stated, “On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – when the heat is expected to get to its apex – both of our locations in Phoenix and Surprise will be handing out cases of water to anyone who needs it.”

The water is not only intended for just those with lower incomes. It will also be used to provide hydration for firefighters as well as anyone who is forced to evacuate their homes due to weather-related wildfires.