Tucsonans can make merry while boosting local nonprofits at several seasonal productions this year.
Natives and newcomers alike won’t want to miss the 16th Annual and Final Diaper Bank Holiday Spectacular, which has become somewhat an institution in the Old Pueblo.
The radio play, which is performed live on stage each year, is a call-back to old-time radio plays broadcast on-air.
Originally based on the script from the 1939 radio play performance of “A Christmas Carol,” the Tucson production has evolved to include topical events along with indigenous animals, mythical creatures and unique characters.
A collaboration by Bobby Rich of The Morning Mix on 94.9 MIXfm and Arizona Daily Star cartoonist Dave Fitzsimmons, the holiday spectacular will feature a revue of music, comedy, skits, songs and parodies of songs highlighting the past 15 years of the annual radio play.
“Lots of people are interested in this. Maybe they are old enough to remember this kind of programming, but some don’t realize it was ever done. We make the sound effects ourselves and people hear lots of different voices and instead of seeing what the characters look like, they have the chance to use the theater of the mind. They get to use their imaginations,” Rich said.
Rich is gratified the production has drawn support and involvement over the years from local personalities, politicians, businesses and individuals.
“We are wrapping it up this year by saluting all that we have done over the last 15 years, kind of like a greatest-hits album where we recreate certain scenes from different years with many of the original people who have performed, including local celebrities and people who are well-known in the community,” Rich said.
“There are lots of songs and parodies of songs, and it is kind of like a variety show with little skits and lots of other fun stuff. It is so much fun for all of us and it’s especially rewarding knowing that lots of people are being entertained while helping out a very worthy cause,” he said.
The production was created as a fundraiser for the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona.
“This all started in 1994 when we started the diaper bank and wanted to build an annual month where we dedicated time on the radio to helping collect money and diapers, so we started the December Diaper Drive. The radio play came along a few years later when were thinking of ideas to get the word out about the first — and at that time the only — diaper bank in the country,” Rich said.
The diaper bank has evolved over the years as well; it now distributes 1.3 million diapers and incontinence supplies annually through more than 50 agencies throughout Southern Arizona to clients who live at or below the federal poverty level. Approximately 20 percent of the supplies distributed are funneled to seniors and disabled adults.
Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona Executive Director Dan Moxley said the diaper bank fills an essential need for many families with low incomes.
“There are a whole range of health problems that can occur if babies don’t have adequate diapers, from skin rashes to infections and other problems, and it is the same with seniors and disabled adults.” Moxley said.
“We are really providing basic necessities and making a difference every day in the quality of life for people of all ages.”
Helping children of deployed troops
If you want to make a difference for the children of deployed troops stationed in Tucson this holiday season, take a new, unwrapped toy to a screening of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 at The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.
All toys and nonperishable food items donated will benefit Tucson Troop Support to provide a holiday party for local military children. The party features superheroes, face painting, food, holiday activities and a holiday shopping and wrapping station for children.
“It makes a huge difference for the military children left behind and their families. Lots of families here don’t have families nearby, so this means a lot to them,” said Clarissa Geborkoff, Tucson Troop Support president.
Geborkoff is grateful for the support of Kevin Wheeler, who is planning the toy and food drive in conjunction with the movie screening presented by Chuzapalooza!, a local bowling tournament affiliated with the International Gay Bowling Association.
Wheeler said the evening presents an opportunity to honor the military and veterans.
“I have a brother who is retired military and I know what he has gone through with active duty. I think Tucson Troop Support does a phenomenal job for kids with their holiday program and we are so excited about the toy drive,” Wheeler said. “This is really about helping each other, especially in the world today. It is so nice to give back.
