Water Drive Success in the News

Staff report, Daily News Sun

As the sun rays settled in over the Sun City and Northwest Valley region from June through August, there was a reprieve for many facing the heat-related illness: the life-sustaining rescue found inside a plastic bottle filled with water.

As part of the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center’s annual water drive this summer, held June through August, nearly 6,000 water bottles — 200 cases, many of far more than 24 bottles — were fundraised. In an effort to encourage donations, the practice provided discounted services for the donation of vital water resources.

Water was donated to the local Salvation Army, which distributed hundreds of bottles during each of the three months to local fire and police departments, whose rescue staff are often the first to find a person in distress.

“We could not be more proud of this community,” said Dr. Emilio M. Justo, founder and medical director for the Arizona Eye Institute. “Seeing those water bottles flow in and back out of our Sun City West and Sun City offices, directly to the community, was rewarding.”

Captain Bill Welch of Salvation Army Sun Cities West Valley Corps delivered the bottles to local agencies throughout the summer, and said the practice stood out with its donations. “We truly appreciate a company and a group of caring people who truly want to impact community members in need where it really counts.”

• Micki Fischer profiles Northwest Valley residents and organizations for the Daily News Sun newspaper.  Read and share article here.