Maricopa volunteers in action

This was a fun-filled weekend for many Maricopa kids and their families, and it was all made possible by various volunteers. 

The Maricopa Little League kicked off the baseball season in style bright and early on Saturday morning. There were over 450 kids according to Chris Turpen, League President.

The dedication of the Maricopa Little League volunteers is amazing. Chris was there early in the morning for the opening ceremonies, then again for the afternoon games and was there into the late evening; I do not think he even left the park on Saturday. It is dedicated volunteers like Chris and all of the Little League board that Maricopa should be proud of and thankful for.

On Saturday afternoon there was a carwash being held by a club from Maricopa Wells Middle School at AutoZone and another at Sonic held by a Maricopa High School club.  These kids are forced to face the financial crunch and will be conducting car washes to help support their programs. The high school event was supervised by Renita Myers; she was in attendance along with her young son. We must take into consideration that many of these teachers do not get paid for their weekend participation and volunteer much of their time and weekends to their students.

Early Sunday morning I was at Pacana Park setting up for the Home and Garden Business Expo event put on by Maricopa Seniors, Inc. I had a booth for my city council campaign where we fundraised for “Bailey’s Boxes.” Herb Bailey is a local disabled veteran who has made his life’s work to send boxes to our military troops overseas.  These boxes include everything from magazines, gum, snacks, playing cards, etc. Herb sends these boxes with a few items donated by the public but pays for the postage and many other items from his own pocket. Bailey’s Boxes is a small way that Maricopans can thank and support our troops. Herb has been sending these boxes to our troops for over seven years and is looking for donations. You can participate by dropping off your check or donations to the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce or the Veteran’s Center (which by the way is operated by volunteer veterans).

The Expo could not have been possible without the dedication of Therese Starkey and all the senior volunteers. There were also two food booths manned by the Maricopa High School culinary students and local Boy Scout Troops. Once again these groups were organized by the various volunteers (teachers, parents, troop leaders, etc.) who call Maricopa their home. I must also mention that the Friends of the Library organization of volunteers is the moving force for our local library, and Joe Gunter (Maricopa library manager) will be the first to admit their numerous contributions. 

I want to take this opportunity to thank the individuals that have dedicated numerous volunteer hours to my campaign:  Humberto Sanchez, Areli Ledezma and Robert Karin. 

Please register to vote and have your voice heard at the May 18th election. If you wish to volunteer on my campaign or would like voter registration information, please contact me at [email protected].

Thank you, Maricopa volunteers!

Submitted photo