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Assistory Outreach Services: Celebrating Community Impact at the Assistory Awards Breakfast

Assistory Outreach Services: Assistory Awards Breakfast: Honoring community champions who make a difference through activism, philanthropy, and advocacy.

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Last Updated on July 5, 2024 by Daily News Staff


Assistory Outreach Services
Assistory Outreach Services President Jon Taylor (L) presenting award to Laura C Bulluck (C), Travis Hardin was the master of ceremonies (R) Image: STM Daily News

Assistory Outreach Services, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, recently held their first annual Assistory Awards Breakfast & Fundraiser at the DoubleTree Hotel in Tempe, AZ. This event aimed to recognize and honor four exceptional individuals who have made a significant impact in their community through activism, philanthropy, and advocacy. The breakfast was the brainchild of Jon Taylor, the president and CEO of Assistory Outreach, who also organized and hosted the event.

Assistory Outreach Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the unsheltered, low-income population, and seniors in Maricopa County. Their mission is centered around providing high-quality services that promote dignity, empowerment, independence, safety, self-esteem, and self-sufficiency. Since 2021, they have been actively involved in coordinated community efforts to combat homelessness, food insecurity, and digital illiteracy.

The Assistory Awards Breakfast provided a platform to acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their community. The honorees included Michael Malone, who received the Vendor Award for his contributions through Malone Sport and Print; Laura C. Bulluck, a leadership coach and empowering conversationalist, who received the Peer Award; Kurt Rinske, Chief of Brands at Jerry’s Restaurant and Los Sombreros, founder of Level Up Projects, and president of Clothes Bin Recycling (AZ Franchise), who was honored with the Community Champion Award; and John Akram, a member of The 100 Black Men of Phoenix, who received the Humanitarian Award.

The event was made even more meaningful by the presence of Travis Hardin, a Tennessee native and community advocate who served as the master of ceremonies. Travis’s remarkable achievements include being honored as a top 100 candidate for the John C. Maxwell Global Leadership Award, receiving the Wells Fargo Diversity Champion Award, and being nominated by United Way Worldwide for a reality series showcasing ordinary people making extraordinary differences in their communities.

Through the Assistory Awards Breakfast, Assistory Outreach Services highlighted the incredible work being done by individuals who selflessly contribute to the betterment of society. This event served as a reminder of the importance of supporting and recognizing those who make a positive impact in their communities.

Moving forward, Assistory Outreach Services will continue to lead the way in addressing pressing issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, and digital illiteracy. Their unwavering commitment to these causes ensures a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve. By shining a light on the everyday heroes within the community, events like the Assistory Awards Breakfast inspire others to take action and contribute to the collective effort of creating a better, more compassionate world.

Assistory Outreach Services is more than just an organization; it is a beacon of hope for many. Their innovative programs and initiatives continue to create paths toward a brighter future, fostering a sense of community, solidarity, and compassion among all who are touched by their work. The success of their first annual awards breakfast sets a promising precedent for future events and underscores the vital role that community support and recognition play in advancing their mission.

Assistory Outreach Services

For more information about Assistory Outreach Services, check out this link https://assistoryoutreachservices.com/

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge

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Glad and Oscar the Grouch Team Up for a Trashy, Toe-Tapping Campaign

Glad teams up with Oscar the Grouch for a playful revival of the “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.” campaign, featuring a musical number, limited-edition Oscar-inspired trash bags, and a fresh take on making trash day fun for all ages.

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Oscar the Grouch and Glad trash bags featured in a colorful musical campaign, celebrating their playful collaboration with limited-edition green Oscar-inspired totes.

Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”

What happens when the world’s most iconic grouch meets the nation’s go-to name in trash bags? You get a campaign that’s equal parts nostalgia, Broadway-style fun, and a reminder that even trash can bring a little joy to your day.

A Classic Campaign Gets a Grouchy Remix

Glad has officially revived its legendary “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.” campaign, but this time, they’re ditching the usual celebrity faces for a true original: Oscar the Grouch. For the first time, the campaign’s star is none other than Sesame Street’s resident trash enthusiast himself, and he’s bringing his signature tune “I Love Trash” back with a contemporary twist.
The musical number, directed by the award-winning duo Will Speck and Josh Gordon, opens with Oscar in his element—surrounded by trash and a little bit of grumpiness. But the real magic happens when Oscar imagines a world where everyone else shares his passion for trash. The result? A joyful, Broadway-inspired remix that transforms everyday frustration into a celebration of Glad’s dependable trash solutions.

Why Oscar? Why Now?

According to Glad’s Marketing Director, Kellie Li, the choice was simple: “No one feels more strongly about trash than Oscar the Grouch.” The campaign aims to flip the script on how we think about trash—turning a dreaded chore into something a little more lighthearted. With Glad’s reliable bags, there’s less to get mad about, and maybe, just maybe, a little more to sing about.

Nostalgia Meets New Audiences

If “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.” sounds familiar, you’re not imagining things. The campaign has been a staple since 1987, featuring everyone from TV stars to athletes. But this new chapter, featuring Oscar and a cast of trash-loving co-stars, is designed to connect with both longtime fans and a new generation discovering Sesame Street on Netflix and PBS KIDS.

Limited-Edition Oscar Goodies and Where to Find Them

To celebrate the campaign, Glad is releasing limited-edition Oscar-inspired trash bag totes—complete with green fur, of course. Fans can snag these playful bags through a social media giveaway this December (follow @gladproducts on Instagram and TikTok for details). And if you miss out, don’t worry: special Oscar-branded Glad ForceFlex with Gain bags will hit Walmart shelves this April, just in time for spring cleaning.

Where to Watch

The campaign is rolling out across the U.S. and Canada, with full-length videos, bite-sized social teasers, and everything in between. Look for it on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit (for our friends up north). Featured products include Glad ForceFlex with Gain and Glad Cherry Blossom.

Bringing the Campaign Home: Phoenix Community Clean-Up

Here in Phoenix, we know the value of coming together to keep our neighborhoods clean and vibrant. Glad’s collaboration with Oscar the Grouch isn’t just a fun national campaign—it’s a reminder that tackling trash can be a community effort, too.
With spring cleaning right around the corner and special Oscar-branded Glad bags hitting Walmart shelves this April, it’s the perfect time for local groups, schools, and neighbors to organize clean-up events across the Valley. Whether you’re sprucing up a park, refreshing a neighborhood, or just making your own block a little brighter, every bag makes a difference.
Ready to join the movement? Rally your friends, family, or local organization and plan a Phoenix clean-up day this spring. Snap a photo of your crew with your Glad or Oscar-inspired trash bags and share it on social media using #GladToCleanPHX and #OscarLovesTrash. Let’s show how Phoenix turns trash day into a reason to celebrate!
  • “Phoenix, let’s get grouchy about litter and Glad about clean streets! Join our community clean-up and share your photos with #GladToCleanPHX.”
  • “Spotted: Oscar the Grouch in Phoenix! Grab your Glad bags, clean up your neighborhood, and tag #OscarLovesTrash for a chance to be featured.”
  • “Spring cleaning in Phoenix just got a lot more fun—thanks to Glad and Oscar! Who’s joining our next clean-up day? #GladToCleanPHX”

About the Brands

Glad, a member of The Clorox Company, has long been a leader in household waste solutions, while Sesame Workshop continues to inspire and educate families worldwide. This collaboration is a perfect blend of dependable products and beloved characters—reminding us all that even the messiest moments can spark a little joy.
The collaboration between Glad and Sesame Workshop for the “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.” campaign marks a creative partnership that blends household dependability with beloved children’s entertainment. By bringing Oscar the Grouch into the spotlight, Glad not only revives a classic campaign but also highlights the importance of making everyday chores more enjoyable for families. This partnership leverages Glad’s reputation as the nation’s leading provider of kitchen and outdoor trash bags and food protection products—trusted solutions designed to handle life’s messes with ease (Glad.com). Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street, has spent over 50 years enriching families worldwide through educational media and community outreach, helping children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder (Sesame.org). Together, their collaboration aims to inspire a new generation to see the positive side of cleaning up, all while celebrating the joy of community and play.
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Stories of Change

Delivering What Matters Most This Holiday Season

Delivering What Matters! This holiday season, give gifts that matter. Support UNICEF’s mission to deliver essentials like nutrition, education, and shelter to children worldwide through meaningful charitable giving.

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Delivering What Matters Most This Holiday Season

Delivering What Matters Most This Holiday Season

(Family Features) As families prepare for the holidays, presents and packages fill doorsteps seemingly on demand. For millions of children around the world, however, each delivery carries more than convenience – it carries purpose. For example, UNICEF continues its lifesaving work, delivering essentials like nutrition, shelter and warm clothes to children who need it most. From Sudan to Ukraine, Gaza to Malawi and beyond, the organization delivers more than just supplies – it provides a hopeful future for children around the world. When conflict unfolds, when disaster strikes or when the winter cold hits, the organization’s critical aid is never out of reach, even for the world’s hardest-to-reach children. This holiday season, give a gift that matters. With UNICEF Market and Inspired Gifts, you can bring education and lifesaving tools to children around the world. An Art Therapy Kit can give children an outlet needed to heal while a Math Classroom Kit can open doors to brighter futures. Through The K.I.N.D. Fund – now celebrating its 15th anniversary – you can support education in Malawi by providing children with desks and scholarships to help kids go beyond elementary school learning levels. 17712 detail embed2You can send Essential Winter Kits – filled with clothing – to ensure children stay safe through the cold months. Every gift fuels the mission of pursuing a more equitable world for every child. These partner gift ideas also support the organization’s global work: Your Marriott Bonvoy points can protect and care for children worldwide. From Dec. 2-9, the travel company will match five points for every point members donate to philanthropic partners, up to 25 million total points. Furthermore, members who earn 50 or 75 qualifying nights in a calendar year are eligible to select UNICEF to benefit from their Annual Choice Benefit with a $100 USD donation. Learn more at giving.marriott.com. Give the gift of holiday radiance with The Serum by Clé de Peau Beauté. Whether you are treating yourself or a loved one, this gift is sure to spread some cheer. Since 2019, the brand has proudly donated $14.5 million total to UNICEF to support girls’ education and empowerment around the world. Find out how you can help unlock the power of girls at cledepeaubeaute.com. To help tackle the stigma around poor mental health and provide support for children, young people and caregivers globally, Jo Malone London will donate a minimum of 70% of the recommended retail price from each Charity Home Candle sold to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF with a commitment to raise at least $200,000 from July 1, 2025 by June 30, 2026. For more information, visit jomalone.com. Children of the world are too often at risk, exposed to conflicts, diseases and natural disasters that threaten their safety and well-being. Since 2016, Louis Vuitton has helped protect these children through its partnership with UNICEF. Each year, the brand creates a dedicated Silver Lockit collection in support of UNICEF’s work, and more than $24 million has been donated through this initiative. For 2025, a new design was created in collaboration with House Ambassador and UNICEF Korea Goodwill Ambassador Felix. Engraved with the word “DREAM,” representing every child’s right to grow, live and learn in a nurturing environment with access to education, health care and protection. For each piece purchased, $100-200 will be donated to help deliver life-saving assistance and education to children in urgent need around the world. Learn more at us.louisvuitton.com. Visit unicefusa.org/stories/delivering-vital-supplies-children-who-need-them-most to learn more and deliver what matters most to children this holiday season. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: UNICEF

Stories of Change: People Making a Difference

Discover inspiring stories of changemakers making a positive impact. Explore videos and articles of people tackling today’s biggest challenges with action and hope. Visit: https://stmdailynews.com/stories-of-change/


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Holiday Assist 2025: Assistory Outreach Services Distributes 400 Thanksgiving Meal Kits to South Phoenix Families

Assistory Outreach Services reached a milestone at Holiday Assist 2025, distributing 400 turkeys, grocery bags, and cases of water to South Phoenix families. Supported by Spinato’s Pizzeria, Niagara, Walmart, and Republic Services, the event continues its mission to help families enjoy a complete Thanksgiving meal.

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Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Holiday Assist 2025: Assistory Outreach Services Provides 400 Thanksgiving Meal Kits to South Phoenix Families

Holiday Assist 2025: Assistory Outreach Services Provides 400 Thanksgiving Meal Kits to South Phoenix Families

Assistory Outreach Services, led by President and CEO Jon Taylor, celebrated a major milestone at this year’s Holiday Assist event that was held on November 21, 2025, which was its third year serving the South Phoenix community with free Thanksgiving meal supplies. What started as a neighborhood-centered effort has grown into a vital annual tradition that brings relief to families facing financial challenges during the holidays.

Held at South Pointe, the 2025 Holiday Assist event successfully provided 400 families with everything needed to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal. Volunteers and corporate partners came together to ensure each family left with a complete set of essentials including:

  • 1 turkey

  • 1 grocery bag packed with canned goods and side dish ingredients

  • 1 case of bottled water, provided through a generous donation from Niagara

Jon Taylor (through the Assistory Outreach Facebook Page) praised the community’s support, stating:

“We did it, South Pointe. We gave out 400 turkeys, 400 grocery bags, and 400 cases of water. Our goal was to give kids and their families what they needed for a Thanksgiving meal. The mission in year three was accomplished.”

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Community Partnerships That Powered the Event

This year’s Holiday Assist was strengthened by a coalition of local organizations and businesses dedicated to giving back:

Spinato’s Pizzeria

Spinato’s showed up in force with volunteers who helped pack and distribute meals. Their team worked side-by-side with Assistory Outreach to ensure every family received their supplies with dignity and care.

Niagara

Niagara donated 400 cases of water, adding an essential household staple to each meal package.

Republic Services & Walmart

Both organizations offered volunteers and logistical support, contributing to the smooth delivery of the large-scale distribution.

Media Spotlight

The event drew local media attention, including coverage from NBC 12 News Phoenix, which highlighted Assistory Outreach’s continued growth and community-first mission.

A Growing Tradition of Giving

The success of Holiday Assist 2025 underscores Assistory Outreach Services’ commitment to uplifting families in tough economic times. With the help of sponsors and volunteers, Jon Taylor’s team continues to demonstrate that community, compassion, and collaboration are powerful tools for change.

“Our goal was to give kids and their families what they needed for a Thanksgiving meal.” — Jon Taylor
“The mission in year three was accomplished.”

Want to support Holiday Assist or volunteer at future events?

Visit Assistory Outreach Services online or follow them on social media to learn how you can help “Help Assist Others” year-round. https://assistoryoutreachservices.com/

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Stories of Change: People Making a Difference

Discover inspiring stories of changemakers making a positive impact. Explore videos and articles of people tackling today’s biggest challenges with action and hope. Visit: https://stmdailynews.com/stories-of-change/

 

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