12 NOVEMBER 2024 By Lauren Geiser Fifteen years ago, while reading to a third- grade class in Phoenix, Joni Navarro Sucato witnessed something that would forever change her life. After handing out cupcakes to the children, she noticed one little boy carefully placing his cupcake in his backpack instead of eating it. When asked why, he explained that he was saving it for his younger brother because they didn’t have enough food at home. That moment struck Sucato deeply, leading her and her friend to buy groceries for the boy’s family. What began as a simple act of kindness grew into something much larger – a nonprofit that started out as Feed Our Babies USA, now known as Feeding Students USA. From those humble beginnings, the nonprofit has expanded its reach significantly. One of its most impactful efforts is the annual Turkey Drive. The event started 14 years ago by providing 20 turkeys to two schools and has now grown into a community event that distributes over 1,200 turkeys and Thanksgiving fixings to families across five school districts: Scottsdale, Creighton, Balsz, Washington and Career Success. “It’s truly a reflection of the power of community and the desire to uplift those around us,” Sucato said. The Turkey Drive has become a cornerstone of the nonprofit’s outreach, bringing together 200 to 300 volunteers each year to ensure families in need can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. This year, the goal is to raise $40,000 to provide 1,000 turkeys and all the trimmings. Feeding Students USA said they are proud that 99 percent of every donation goes directly to buying food. Food insecurity has surged these last few years, making the Turkey Drive even more essential. The number of families needing assistance has doubled each year since 2020, highlighting that hunger is not a distant problem – it exists right here in our backyard. Despite these challenges, the drive continues to thrive thanks to partnerships, community support and the tireless efforts of volunteers. Feeding Students USA operates the Turkey Drive out of Arcadia City Church annually. Sucato said the gratitude expressed by the families that stop by is often overwhelming, with many sending heartfelt thank-you cards after the holiday. “Every year, we are humbled to witness the joy and relief on the faces of those we serve,” she said. “We invite you to join us – to make a difference, lend a hand, and share in the joy of helping our neighbors celebrate Thanksgiving with dignity and warmth.” Sucato says the Turkey Drive is more than just food for families who receive the meals – it’s a lifeline, a moment of comfort and a reminder that the community cares about them. Feeding Students USA will continue to grow its impact as long as there are families in need, ensuring that no one goes without during the holiday season. Feeding Students USA hosts 15th annual Turkey Drive FSUSA TURKEY DRIVE Donations accepted until Sunday, November 24 WHERE: Arcadia City Church, 3313 N. 40th Street, Phoenix. feedingstudentsusa.org Ashley Staples, Susan Lewis, Angela Woudenberg and Katherine Polachek. PHOTO: JONI NAVARRO-SUCATO Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix | www.cclphoenix.org www.cclphoenix.org www.cclphoenix.org | (602) 955-4830 LOVE GROW SERVE IN-PERSON WORSHIP Traditional Worship Traditional Worship 8:00am/10:45am Contemporary Worship Contemporary Worship 8:30am/10:30am Teaching Service Teaching Service 9:30am ONLINE WORSHIP Sunday @ 8:am/10:30am Sunday @ 8:am/10:30am Sunday @ 8:am/10:30am FB Live or CHRISTCHURCHPHX.ONLINE.CHURCH CHRISTCHURCHPHX.ONLINE.CHURCH CHRISTCHURCHPHX.ONLINE.CHURCH

Check out the dazzling event lineup SCOTTSDAZZLE.COM · oldtownscottsdale · #SCOTTSDAZZLE SING-ALONG & TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Scottsdale Waterfront · 7135 E Camelback Rd Saturday, November 30 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM The kickoff to Scottsdazzle! Join us for the official tree lighting ceremony, live musical performances, treats & guest appearances. SPARKLE & SPIN SCAVENGER HUNTS Marshall Way Bridge · 7124 E Stetson Dr Sunday, December 15, 21 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM This holiday head-scratcher invites guests to hop on their bikes and spin around Old Town for a seasonal scavenger hunt. DAZZLING MAGIC SHOWS Marshall Way Bridge · 7124 E Stetson Dr Sunday, December 15 | Various Times See magician Craig Davis deliver a fun-filled and highly entertaining show packed with audience involvement. N O V 3 0 – D E C 3 1 Enjoy a month-long holiday extravaganza featuring stunning décor, the best in dining and shopping, and more than 45 incredible events, including: PANCAKES & PAJAMAS WITH SANTA Marshall Way Bridge · 7124 E Stetson Dr Saturday, December 14 | Various Times Kids of all ages can wear holiday-themed pj’s during a festive breakfast filled with performances, crafts and a meet and greet with Santa Claus.