Giving back in Southern Arizona

Recycled Rides and United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona: A Tucson family was gifted a free car after their vehicle was totaled in a crash. The 2017 Hyundai Elantra was given to Jose Garcia on June 12 through a collaboration between United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona and Recycled Rides, a National Auto Body Council program.

Garcia’s vehicle was struck by another driver and the other driver’s insurance wouldn’t cover a replacement of any kind, a news release said.

The family, which participates in Child and Family Resources’ Healthy Families program, was selected for the Recycled Rides initiative through an application process.

This is United Way’s second year participating in the Recycled Rides program.

“I am grateful, and my family is so grateful, for our United Way and Recycled Rides,” Garcia said. “This generous help given to us at a time of need reminds me that it is our community and commitment to each other that makes Tucson a special place.”

Trico Electric Cooperative: Five Southern Arizona nonprofit organizations received a total of $35,000 from Trico as part of the cooperative’s Power Grants program.

Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center and Marana Food Bank & Community Resource Center each received grants of $10,000.

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The Marana Unified School District was awarded $8,750.

Mt. Lemmon Fire Fighters Foundation received a $1,500 grant.

A grant of $4,750 went to Youth On Their Own.

“Thank you Trico for supporting Southern Arizona’s students experiencing housing insecurity,” said Youth On Their Own CEO Elizabeth Slater. “This grant award will provide direct financial and basic needs support to YOTO youth, helping them remain focused on their goal of high school graduation.”

The grants are awarded twice a year to local charities, selected through an application process and reviewed by a committee made up of Trico employees, members and board members.

Since 2008, the Trico program has awarded $875,000 in grants. To learn more or to apply, go to trico.coop/power-grants.