Cuba Gooding Jr. uttered that memorable line in the 1996 movie “Jerry McGuire.” Donors give to what they know to be a good cause, but often they never know exactly how their gift is utilized. therefore the FOAJ is going to “show YOU the money!!!” in the following few examples of how your generous donations have helped deserving Apache Junction groups and causes over the last year.
Who let the dogs out? Who? Who? Who? Not Paws and Claws Care Center! PCCC is well known for their care and sheltering of abandoned, surrendered and lost pets. Maintaining daily operations can’t be accomplished on love of animals alone. FOAJ, with the help of your generous donations, was able to provide funds for filing storage cabinets, a digital safe, portable radio upgrades, t-shirts for volunteers, kennel repair as well as other needed items. The residents of Apache Junction are tremendous animal lovers as evidenced by your continued support of FOAJ and PCCC.
Mayberry had Andy and Barney. Apache Junction has the great AJPD made up of over 50 officers and other essential employees. The police department operates within a budget supplied by the City. Essential items are often required that just aren’t in the budget. This is where your donations come in. Over the last year Chief Kelly received requested funds from FOAJ for personal protection equipment, tactical equipment, e.g., gas mask pouches, utility pouches, SWAT patches and radio and pistol taco pouches. The Public Relations officer received funds for a laptop to continue posting informative videos for the public to view. All needed items not included in their budget. The AJPD also received requested funds to help provide medical care for severely injured animals removed during a police call. Again, not in the budget, but made possible by your donations.
If there is something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Not Ghostbusters! AJ Parks and Recreation (P&R) called FOAJ. In 2020, P&R offered a Halloween Boo Through to safely provide Halloween treats for the children of Apache Junction. FOAJ provided $500.00 to help with the cost of candy. Your donations helped put smiles on many of AJ’s little residents.
“You talkin’ to me?” You talkin’ to ME??” No Mr. Taxi Driver. We are talkin’ to YOU, the generous donors to FOAJ. The above are just a few examples of the good your donations do for departments and causes in Apache Junction. There are so many other donor driven accomplishments such as providing funds for the homeless to launder their clothing and receive water during the brutal summer months. There is the DARE program (see upcoming blog), victim’s services, toy drives, AJPD End of Year Drive. We could go on and on. You, the donors, have truly made a difference. You continue to improve the lives of the residents of Apache Junction with your donations. So, to take our cue from Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Monica, Ross and Chandler, THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND!