For those experiencing homelessness or from underserved communities, a rise in summer temperatures leaves many susceptible to heat illness and even heat related death. In 2021 alone, more than 300 individuals died due to heat related issues in Maricopa County. With that, the need for water donations rises for community assistance groups like Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA) and so the Arizona Coyotes are hosting a water drive on Saturday, May 21 at Escalante Community Center in Tempe.

In partnership with Tempe Fire Department and Better Business Bureau serving the Pacific Southwest, the Coyotes hope to gather more than 5,000 bottles to support TCAA’s Oasis Drop-In Center where critical resources are provided, including water, to the unhoused and underserved. TCAA sees more than 7,000 visitors to the center during those summer months to pass out food and water and provide overall services more than 38,000 from the Tempe area per year.​

This drive-thru event will be supported by Tempe Fire Department who will have fire trucks on site and will be distributing summer safety educational resources for families. Arizona Coyotes mascot Howler will also be in attendance to pass out Coyotes merchandise to those donating water and cheering everyone on for their generosity.

As the Coyotes start their next chapter at ASU in Tempe next season, the organization and its partners are looking to make an impact to assist TCAA in their support of the Tempe community at large. For more information on how to donate, email [email protected] or to donate online, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/rhE/.