Realtor doubles food bank donation to $1,000+

HomeSmart Premier owner and Realtor Dayv Morgan doesn’t just put people in homes in Maricopa. He also puts food on the table.

Morgan yesterday presented Maricopa Pantry, a food bank based in Hidden Valley that feeds more than 1,600 families, with a giant check worth north of $1,000.

Morgan matched $540 in donations with another $540 from his own pocket to bring the total contribution to $1,080.

“We’re going to use this money to help feed the hungry, and for our day-to-day functions at the food bank so we can best serve this community,” said the food bank’s founder and CEO, Jim Shoaf. “We’re so blessed to have people like Dayv in this community.”

The dollar-for-dollar match is a tradition a few years in the making. This year, the contribution is well-timed — Maricopa Pantry is gearing up to break ground on a permanent building at 50881 W. Papago Rd. in the near future, Shoaf said.

His vision for the two-story food warehouse would expand offerings to include free legal advice, housing assistance and substance abuse services, as well as a community room for dining and events.

Maricopa Pantry celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

“I love being able to support people like Jim and all he does,” Morgan said. “I love Maricopa and being able to support the needs of the community.”