Helping Others Together (HOT) Community Foundation

Our mission is to bring people together to provide help and hope for struggling children and families in the West Valley.

We were honored to receive the 2023 WESTMARC Best of the West Quality of Life award.

HOT is an all-volunteer organization with hundreds of caring West Valley individuals working together to make a positive difference in the lives of our community members. We work with local school districts and other organizations to identify the families who need our help the most. Most of the children selected live below the poverty line and have experienced a recent crisis such as the death, disability, or chronic illness of a family member,

Our volunteers create a magical winter wonderland experience down to a personalized Christmas ornament on each child's stocking. Our volunteer Santas visit with each child providing a hug and a "ho, ho, ho". It's about the children's matching Christmas PJs and clothing and toys that are hand selected for them based on what they want and then wrapped with love. They receive many essentials such as school clothing, shoes, coats, blankets, hygiene items, and a grocery gift card. Volunteer elves greet each family with kindness and send them home with smiles and gifts to help them cope with their challenges.

In 2023, we supported 274 children and 83 families. To date (4 seasons) we have supported 674 West Valley children!

Testimonials

"Being a counselor in a Title 1 school is a challenge at best. I could never meet the needs of all my students without the help of community partners. I am so thankful for HOT and the difference it has made in my world at Buckeye Elementary. These families will never forget the love and care shown to them by all of you."
Sherry Saylor, HOT Nominator

"When we arrived, I was greeted with genuine kindness. We received a personalized letter on the way in that had our family name on it. It brought tears to my eyes that strangers who didn't know me or my situation would be so kind and giving. It reminded me of the saying 'They might not remember what you said, but they will NEVER forget how you made them feel.' It was a humbling experience, and I will always remember the kindness that was shown to us and how special we felt. Thank you."
- Maggie Tovar, HOT Recipient and Nominator

"Sugar Plum Fairies brought happiness to my children. Losing their father has not been easy, especially around the holidays. I didn't know how I was going to purchase gifts for them. But, thanks to you all, my children and I had a very happy Christmas."
-Areliz Carrasco, HOT Recipient

"My family was impacted during a difficult time by such wonderful and amazing people! I will never forget you."
-Alex Primero, HOT Recipient

"Everything was very helpful, the gifts, the grocery cards, and the Christmas dinner. Thank you HOT Community!"
-Yanelli Ortiz, HOT Recipient