Southern Pavilion Self Storage in Mesa, Ariz., is participating in the city’s annual water-bottle drive by acting as a drop-off site. Donations can be made at the property at 7110 E. Southern Ave. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sept. 16.

The 10th annual Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign launched on June 6 to collect filled water bottles that will be distributed by the United Food Bank to people in need via numerous agencies in the state, including A New Leaf East Valley Men’s Center, Mesa United Way and Paz de Cristo. In addition to water bottles, cash can be donated on the United Food Bank website.

“The campaign is a life-saver for the less fortunate during the hot summer months. Our residents have been extremely generous in donating bottles of water in previous years, and I know they are ready to do so again this year,” said Dennis Kavanaugh, vice mayor of Mesa.

A record 836,154 bottles of water were collected during the 2015 campaign, surpassing the 400,000 goal. This year’s drive aims to collect 500,000 water bottles. To date, nearly 146,000 bottles have been donated. Southern Pavilion has collected 600 bottles, according to its website.

“The Hydration Donation Campaign makes it simple to help the vulnerable in our community. For less than $5, Mesans can buy a case of water, so the donation will definitely save lives over the next few months as temperatures soar,” said Ginny Hildebrand, CEO and president of the United Food Bank.

The campaign is a stark reminder of the dangers of summer heat in Arizona, which first responders encounter on a daily basis, according to a city press release. “The risks of dehydration are great for anyone exposed to the triple-digit temperatures, especially those who are homeless or don’t have a place to easily get out of the sun,” said Forrest Smith, deputy chief and public information officer for the Mesa Fire and Medical Department. “Without donations of water, the outcomes of our emergency responses to cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke would be much worse.”

Southern Pavilion is owned by HCA Management Co. LLC, which owns and operates manufactured-housing communities and self-storage properties in Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. The family-owned business was founded in 1964.

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