Volunteerism and philanthropy are important values in the Eastmark community. That’s why each year there are plenty of opportunities for residents to participate in community-wide philanthropic campaigns and community service activities. We’ll also keep you posted about smaller resident-led initiatives that are introduced throughout the year.

Here are a few of the ways we give:

Eastmark Cares

Call it compassion. Call it commitment to service. The bottom line is Eastmark cares. A lot.

So what exactly does Eastmark care about? We pulled together a group of Eastmark Leadership alumni to help us answer that question. Their guidance confirmed three points of passion:

• pets and animal welfare
• veterans and military families
• children, families and the elderly

These broad categories provide a focus and launch point for Eastmark Cares—three annual initiatives of charity, service and collective impact.

In January 2017, Eastmark and Arizona Humane Society (AHS) partnered to raise awareness about the responsible and compassionate care for animals and the many important services AHS provides to the greater community. Learn more about how residents can participate in activities like the Animal Rescue Squad, becoming a Foster Hero, and helping to gather kennel supplies.

Our other Eastmark Cares initiatives are planned for July through September and November through December.

Team Eastmark

When there’s a need in the community, or a job to be done, Team Eastmark rolls up our collective sleeves. Here’s just a few of the Team Eastmark initiatives we’ve taken on.

Adopt-a-Street

Resident volunteers gather twice-yearly for a morning of litter patrol along Ellsworth Road between Elliot and Ray Roads. About 30 volunteers ages 13 and older are needed to pick up general trash items. The group meets at The ‘Mark for a brief training overview and to pick up safety vests, then carpool to the site.

City of Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign

For 10-plus years, Mesa’s hydration drive has collected water bottles for distribution to those in need. Last summer, Eastmark residents and business partners donated more than 8,500 water bottles (that’s eight pallets!) at The ‘Mark during June and July.

United Food Banks’ Christmas in July Food Drive

Each summer, Eastmark residents head to their pantries to donate to the United Food Bank’s Christmas in July campaign. Residents also gather at the Food Bank to help organize boxes of food for distribution.

Other ways we give back

Opportunities abound throughout the year to support the local schools in and around Eastmark through fun runs, tutoring, supply donations, and volunteering at school events.

Following the twice-yearly Eastmark Garage Sales, residents can donate remaining items to Sunshine Acres, a children’s home in northeast Mesa that provides a loving place for children ages 5 to 15 years old who are separated from their parents.

Are you passionate about a local organization and the possibility of Eastmark involvement? We’d love to hear about it! Feel free to reach out to Community Engagement Manager Kimberly Crowther Miller by email or by phone at 480-625-4903.