The residents of Marley Park have a long track record of sharing their time and talents for the benefit of others. This summer, the community has proven that their hearts are as dedicated as ever to give back, presenting acts of kindness in many forms that have impacted local nonprofits in big ways.

In May, the Ritzy Red Livin’ Grand club hosted a donation drive to collect toiletries and canned foods for YWCA West Valley Senior Center as well as toys and clothing for New Life Center. Thank you to all who contributed! Join the Ritzy Red Livin’ Grand club and attend their upcoming meeting on August 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Heritage Club. Contact the club for more info.

The Marley Park Philanthropic Committee gathered for their quarterly Feed the Hungry service project on May 7 at St. Vincent De Paul’s Henry Unger Dining Room in Phoenix. Six volunteers gave four hours each to feed more than 300 people in need. Sign up today for their next service projects, scheduled for August 13 and October 22. Duties include setting up, serving and cleaning up. If you are interested in becoming more involved with the Marley Park Philanthropic Committee contact Billy Bungert.

On May 25, neighbors grabbed their daubers and headed over to Riverboat Bingo Hall in Surprise to try their luck and give back at the same time. Proceeds from the game benefited A New Leaf.

Want to get involved?

Here are two great opportunities to give back before the summer ends.

Our Philanthropic Committee is currently hosting their annual Back-to-School Supply Drive in support of local children and education. This year you can help send students of Sunshine Residential Boys Home off to school with the resources they need to succeed. Check out the supply list and drop off your donations between July 13 and Aug. 1 in the donation box located in the Heritage Club foyer. Our goal is to meet or beat last year’s success, suppling at least 15 boys with the essentials for the school year.

Also this month the City of Surprise, as part of their partnership with Valley of the Sun United Way, the Salvation Army, and Rio Salado Community College, needs volunteers to support its July 26 Project Connect. Project Connect works with organizations to provide a broad range of vital health and human services such as applying for birth certificates, getting social security cards, haircuts, bicycle repair, and meals, in a single accessible location. Not able to attend? Donations are being accepted at several Surprise locations.