SVdP food reclamation warehouse

Be A Hero To a Family In Need This Summer

CBS 5 and Walmart team up with SVdP for Summer Action Hero campaign

The oppressive summer months are upon us, and thousands of struggling families and homeless individuals will be reaching out for help to meet their basic needs of food, shelter and water. 

While St. Vincent de Paul provides emergency food boxes, meals, utility bill and rent assistance year-round, we find the summer months particularly challenging as donations drastically drop, leaving our food shelves bare.

That’s why we’re teaming up with CBS 5 and Walmart for our annual “Be Summer Action Hero” campaign, to raise awareness and support for families served by SVdP. Starting on June 1 and throughout the month, we’re inviting the community to participate by donating non-perishable foods at any Walmart location in central and northern Arizona.

Examples of non-perishable food items:

  • Canned food
  • Boxes of cereal
  • Oatmeal
  • Mac and cheese
  • Dried beans, other legumes or canned meats


“Summer can be such a tough time for so many,” said SVdP Executive Director Steve Zabilski, “We often hear from people asking how they can help. We’re especially hoping that people who have never given will be inspired to step up and donate. I can assure you, you’ll feel better for doing it. You’ll be a hero to a family in need.”

SVdP volunteer sorts food in St. Matthew's food pantry.

More Ways You Can Fight Hunger This Summer

If you can’t make it to a Walmart location, there are more ways you can be a ‘hero’ and help families in need this summer.

  • Donate online (every dollar donated is tax deductible!)
  • Host a food drive
  • Share about “Be A Summer Action Hero” on social media (see sample posts below)


We hope you’ll join us in our efforts and follow along as we continue sharing stories throughout the month about the need and how others are helping!   

Sample Twitter post:

Help fight hunger this summer with @SVdP @CBS5AZ @Walmart & #BeASummerActionHero! SummerRelief.org            
Sample Facebook post: 

Be a hero to a family in need this summer by joining St. Vincent de Paul, CBS 5 and Walmart for their “Be A Summer Action Hero” campaign!

During the month of June, donate non-perishable food items at any Walmart location in central and northern Arizona, host a food drive, or donate online.

Family poses for photo during SVdP Family Evening Meal.