1,000 SLEEPING BAGS AND BACKPACKS HOLIDAY 2011 DRIVE FOR THE HOMELESS AT CENTRAL ARIZONA SHELTER SERVICES

Released on: December 6th, 2011

November, 2011, Phoenix, AZ….A grassroots community effort to collect 1,000 new or gently used sleeping bags and backpacks has begun for the 2011 holiday season.  The fifth annual drive is benefiting Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) in Phoenix.

“We are fortunate to be a recipient of this year’s drive.  There are over 8,000 homeless individuals in Maricopa County and many struggle with complex issues, such as mental illness and addiction, that prevent them from seeking shelter.  Our goal this winter is to help keep the homeless safe, warm and encourage them to engage our services so we may empower them to end their homelessness.  This drive will assist us significantly in achieving that goal,” said Brenda Cash, Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator at CASS.

There are currently two drop-off locations:

East Valley: Ayers Saint Gross Architects & Planners

60 East Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 701, Tempe, AZ 85251

Donations accepted through Friday, December 16th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. East Valley contact: Nakia Neves, 602.312.6601.

Central: Hair Pollution (Way Cool Hair) @ 1524 East McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ  85006 Donations accepted through Friday, December 16th from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Special Donations will also be accepted during special Open House Hours on Saturday, December 17th from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM and Sunday, December 18th from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Central/Main contact: Bill Holmes, 602.348.9149.

CASS also needs donations of: rolls of quarters, gift cards, toiletries, socks and any cash donations should be made out to CASS.  For more information on the charity visit www.cassaz.org.  If you would like to volunteer for the sleeping bag drive or would like to become a drop-off, please call, Bill Holmes, originator of the drive at (602) 348-9149.  If you need a pick-up for a big sleeping bag drop, Camelback Moving will volunteer for pick-ups, please call Bridget Argana @ 480-231-3582. All update information will be on Facebook under the 5th Annual Sleeping Bag & Backpack Drive.