Stories of Change
Assistory Outreach Services Honors Community Heroes at 3rd Annual Awards Breakfast
Celebrate the spirit of service at the Assistory Outreach Services Awards Breakfast 2025. Hosted by Linda Williams, the event honored community heroes, featured awards, a raffle, and reflections from founder Jon Taylor.
Last Updated on September 7, 2025 by Daily News Staff
On Friday, September 5, 2025, Assistory Outreach Services hosted its Third Annual Awards Breakfast, a celebration of compassion, commitment, and community impact. The event, held before a packed room of supporters, was a time to reflect on a year of milestones while honoring those who willingly dedicate themselves to helping others.
A Morning of Celebration
The breakfast began with warm fellowship and a shared meal, setting the tone for a morning rooted in gratitude. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was the esteemed Linda Williams, whose presence brought both energy and elegance to the occasion.
Master of Ceremonies Linda Williams (formerly of Fox 10 Phoenix)
As plates were cleared, the spotlight turned to the awards presentations. Community members and partners were recognized for their dedication to outreach—whether through direct service, innovative initiatives, or simply a steadfast commitment to showing up for others. Each honoree represented a unique thread in the fabric of Assistory’s mission.
Highlights of the Year
The event also looked back on a year filled with service and growth. In 2025, Assistory Outreach Services:
Expanded street outreach in Mesa, supporting the homeless with resources and compassion. Taught seniors in both Maricopa and Chandler how to navigate smartphones and digital tools, helping bridge the technology gap. Launched its first-ever bowling fundraiser, blending fun with fundraising to sustain programs. Exposed young students to new opportunities through career-focused field trips. Volunteered with community partners to celebrate Juneteenth, underscoring the organization’s commitment to unity and justice. Prepared for the upcoming holiday season by planning to deliver free turkey meals and gifts to low-income families and isolated seniors in South Phoenix.
The morning concluded with a lively raffle, bringing smiles, laughter, and anticipation as guests won prizes to close out the event on a celebratory note.
Founder’s Vision
Jon Taylor, President & CEO of Assistory Outreach Services
In his founder’s statement, Jon Taylor, President & CEO, reflected on the journey of Assistory Outreach Services:
“I created Assistory during the global pandemic because I saw a need to give back and provide exposure to those often overlooked. What separates human beings from other species is our sense of community. People want to help other people—it’s a normal behavior. My job is to give back and show others how to do the same. Let’s do this together, sincerely.”
Taylor’s words underscored the true meaning of the breakfast: service is not just an act—it is a way of life that transforms both those who give and those who receive.
Moving Forward
The Third Annual Awards Breakfast was more than an event. It was a powerful reminder of what happens when individuals, partners, and communities come together with one goal: to help people.
As Assistory Outreach Services looks ahead, the message is clear—together, we can continue to build bridges, create opportunities, and make a lasting difference.
For more information about Assistory Outreach Services, please visit: https://assistoryoutreachservices.com/
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Community
5 Meaningful Ways to Make a Difference This Holiday Season
Make a Difference This Holiday Season: Hunger relief is often top of mind during the holidays, and there are many ways to make a meaningful difference. Consider these ideas.
5 Meaningful Ways to Make a Difference This Holiday Season
(Feature Impact) The holiday season brings people together and often inspires them to think about how they can support others. Yet for many families, this time of year can bring added pressure as they balance the cost of food and other everyday essentials.
According to Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap study, published in 2026, nearly 48 million people in the United States, including 14 million children, experience food insecurity.
Hunger relief is often top of mind during the holidays, and there are many ways to make a meaningful difference. Each year, Charles Schwab employees come together through Season of Giving to support local nonprofits and help make the holidays brighter for those in need.
Consider these ideas from Charles Schwab Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing financial literacy and strengthening communities.
Give What’s Needed Most
When giving to a local food bank, pantry or other nonprofit, start by finding out what the organization needs most. Many organizations share lists of priority items, while monetary donations can give them flexibility to direct resources where they will have the greatest impact. A little planning can help make every contribution count.
Turn Giving Into a Group Activity
Invite family, friends, neighbors or coworkers to get involved with you. Organizing a donation drive, packing meals or volunteering together can multiply the impact while creating a meaningful way to connect during the holiday season.
Share Your Time and Talents
There are many ways to contribute beyond making a donation. Consider volunteering your time or putting your skills to use for an organization that could benefit from them. From sorting donations and packing meals to helping with special events or administrative projects, your time and expertise can make a meaningful impact.
Support Organizations in Your Own Community
The holidays are an opportunity to learn more about the organizations serving your neighbors every day. Look for local nonprofits addressing needs that matter to you, whether that is hunger, housing, education or another community priority. Supporting organizations close to home can help strengthen the networks people rely on throughout the year.
Keep Giving Beyond the Holidays
The spirit of giving doesn’t have to end when the holiday season is over. Consider turning a one-time contribution into an ongoing commitment, whether by volunteering periodically, making recurring donations or continuing to support an organization with a mission that resonates with you.
Learn more about the work being done to advance financial literacy and strengthen communities at schwabmoneywise.com/foundation.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Fifty volunteers joined Diana Gregory Outreach Services and community partners on November 5, with support from AARP, State Farm, and BHHS Legacy Foundation.
PHOENIX — Fresh produce and community support came together Thursday morning, November 5, 2026, as Veggies for Veterans distributed 700 grocery bags during an event hosted by the Phoenix VA Health Care System.
The Diana Gregory Outreach Services (DGOS) program brought together 50 volunteers to help provide veterans with nutritious food. Each bag contained a variety of 13 fruits and vegetables, according to the event results supplied by organizers.
The effort also received a contribution from Peddler’s Son, which donated a five-pound bag of Idaho potatoes and a bag of grapes for each veteran.
AARP, State Farm, and BHHS Legacy Foundation Lead Financial Support
AARP, State Farm, and BHHS Legacy Foundation were the event’s three largest financial sponsors, helping make the distribution possible.
Volunteers represented all three organizations, along with the Archer Ragsdale Arizona Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Arizona Community Foundation and Santander also contributed volunteer support.
AARP Arizona State Director Dana Marie Kennedy attended the event. AARP’s participation included volunteers and an outreach table featuring candy and AARP-branded giveaway items for attendees and veterans.
Together, the financial contributions, donated food, and volunteer service supported an event centered on veterans and their access to fresh produce.
A Special Guest With a Remarkable Service History
Among those attending was 106-year-old Major Fannie Griffin McClendon, whose military career connects the gathering to an extraordinary chapter in American history.
McClendon served during World War II with the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, widely known as the “Six Triple Eight.” The historic unit of Black women soldiers helped process a massive backlog of military mail in Europe.
Her service continued beyond World War II. The Library of Congress documents her later career in the Air Force, including service as a squadron commander.
Her attendance offered an opportunity to recognize a veteran whose career helped break barriers for Black women in the military.
More Than a Bag of Groceries
Veggies for Veterans’ purpose extends beyond the food distributed at an individual event. The program focuses on helping veterans access fresh produce while creating opportunities for connection and community support.
Grocery costs, transportation, and mobility can make obtaining nutritious food difficult. Bringing produce directly to veterans through VA and community settings is one way the program works to address those barriers.
The November 5 distribution also reflected the collective work behind that support: an organization coordinating the effort, a VA host, financial sponsors, a food donor, and volunteers contributing their time.
With 700 bags distributed and 50 volunteers participating, the event demonstrated how community partnerships can translate into practical support for veterans.
Readers interested in learning more about the program, volunteering, or exploring ways to support its work can visit Diana Gregory Outreach Services.
Reporting note: Event results, sponsor recognition, donations, volunteer participation, and attendee information were supplied for this recap. Historical background on Major McClendon is supported by the Library of Congress.
Sources and Further Information
- Diana Gregory Outreach Services — Veggies for Veterans
- Phoenix VA — November 5 Veggies for Veterans event listing
- Library of Congress — Fannie Griffin McClendon
Community
Veggies for Veterans Distributes 600 Produce Bags at Phoenix VA
Volunteers distributed 600 bags of fresh produce in less than an hour during the latest Veggies for Veterans event at the Phoenix VA Medical Center. Peddler’s Son donated watermelons.
Last Updated on October 6, 2026 by Rod Washington
Volunteers and partners supporting the fresh-food distribution.
PHOENIX — Volunteers distributed 600 bags of fresh fruits and vegetables to veterans in less than an hour during the September 10 Veggies for Veterans event at the Phoenix VA Medical Center.
Hosted by Diana Gregory Outreach Services, the event brought volunteers together in an assembly line to pack grocery bags and distribute them to waiting veterans. Participating volunteer groups and partners included SRP, State Farm, Fry’s, BHHS Legacy Foundation, Santander, and Nina Mason Pullman Charitable Trust.
“It’s been almost a decade since we’ve been doing Veggies for Veterans,” Diana Gregory said. “We want to thank all the volunteers, our partners and everyone who makes this possible.”
Veterans received an additional seasonal treat during the distribution. Peddler’s Son donated watermelons for the event, providing a bonus item alongside the bags of produce.
Dr. Isabel Kozak, a partner in the outreach effort, said the fresh food can be especially meaningful for veterans managing chronic health conditions.
“We distributed 600 bags to veterans today, and I heard many, many heartfelt thank-yous,” Dr. Kozak said. “We have veterans who have hypertension and diabetes, and I think it’s really important that we provide this very nutritious food.”
The strong early turnout kept volunteers busy as veterans moved through the indoor distribution area and the outdoor setup near the medical center’s main entrance. Gregory praised the teamwork that allowed all 600 bags to be handed out in under an hour.
Diana Gregory Outreach Services plans to hold two more community events before the end of 2026. One will be another Veggies for Veterans distribution in November, featuring more fresh fruits and vegetables.
The organization’s continuing work supports its broader mission of uplifting veterans and seniors throughout the Phoenix community.
To learn more about Veggies for Veterans, upcoming community events, volunteer opportunities or ways to support Diana Gregory Outreach Services, visit DianaGregory.com.
Reporting and video production by STM Daily News and TNC Network, LLC.
