Winter is over, school is out and snowbirds have left so things are slowing down in SaddleBrooke. However, SBCO will continue to work hard over the summer in preparation for the start of our 20th year of service. We will celebrate our wonderful volunteers as without them we could not exist as we are a 100% volunteer organization. We are proud of our 2015-2016 accomplishments!
Kids’ Closet this past year provided 2,562 wardrobes consisting of three pairs of pants, three shirts or tops, one pair of shoes, six pairs of underwear, six pairs of socks, and depending on the season our kids receive a winter coat or a sweatshirt. Additionally the kids receive books, a tooth brush and tooth paste. This fall Kids’ Closet is adding the Miami School District to our service area with a potential for 763 kids.
The concept for Teen Closet grew out of Kids’ Closet, providing students moving from elementary schools into middle and high schools with new contemporary clothing so that they could continue their education with increased self-respect. This past year 74 students received new clothes and school supplies.
The Education Committee awarded scholarships to 18 students to enable them to continue their education at community colleges, universities or technical schools. With these 18 new scholarships SBCO will be providing a total of 56 students with scholarships.
Other enrichment programs for the summer include: reading and math tutoring at Mammoth/San Manual for students performing below grade level to help them improve; preschool program for three and four year olds; and a summer swim program for the Mammoth/San Manual Schools. Additional programs in 2015-16 included: College For Kids operating a science camp for 50 second through sixth grade students at Central Arizona College (CAC); a math tutoring program during the school year at Ironwood Ridge High School and Coronado K-8; Book Shelf Reading at Ray Junior/Senior High School in Kearny, and supported a “We the People” academic contest in Washington D.C. and a Grand Canyon field trip for students from Coronado K-8 school. A college speaker program was also provided at CAC Aravaipa Campus for CAC students and students from the local communities.
SBCO’s Food Program supports the Tri-Community Food Bank. Our annual food drive was again a tremendous success collecting an estimated 19,000 pounds of food and over $13,000 in cash donations. Additionally SBCO supported the Food Bank throughout the year with cash donations and with food collected during various programs. SBCO supplied 36 Thanksgiving food baskets to deserving families in need, identified by community organizations.
On September 12 we will kick off our 20th Year Celebration at the Golden Goose Fashion Show. Mark your calendar for our annual Walkathon on October 29; and in November, Thanksgiving food baskets will be delivered. Plans are underway for other exciting activities for the coming year including our new logo and Mission Statement.
If you are interested in learning more about SBCO or to volunteer, please visit our website: www.community-outreach.org or leave a message at 520-825-3302.