Community
Mr. Drain Plumbing’s “Flush Away Hunger” Drive Shows How Small Acts Create Big Impact
Mr. Drain Plumbing’s inaugural “Flush Away Hunger” food drive collected donations for the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank, proving local businesses can mobilize communities to fight food insecurity through simple, sustainable charitable initiatives.
Mr. Drain Plumbing’s “Flush Away Hunger” Drive Shows How Small Acts Create Big Impact
When a Sacramento plumbing company decided to tackle more than just clogged drains this November, they proved that community support doesn’t require grand gestures—just genuine commitment and a willingness to show up.
Mr. Drain Plumbing recently wrapped up its inaugural “Flush Away Hunger” canned food drive, a three-week initiative that brought customers and employees together to support local families facing food insecurity during the Thanksgiving season. Running from November 1st through 20th, the friendly competition collected shelf-stable items for the Orangevale–Fair Oaks Food Bank, turning everyday plumbing appointments into opportunities for meaningful community impact.
A Competition That Everyone Wins
The drive’s format was simple but effective: customers and team members competed to see who could donate the most non-perishable items. To sweeten the deal, Mr. Drain offered customers who donated four or more items a 10% discount on their next plumbing service—a small thank-you that encouraged participation while keeping the focus where it belonged: on helping neighbors in need.
“This time of year can be especially difficult for many families, and we’re grateful to everyone who joined us in giving what they could,” said Patrick Fee, Co-Founder of Mr. Drain. “Our goal wasn’t to pat ourselves on the back, but simply to make a difference in our community. It all starts with small acts, and we’re honored to be part of that effort.”
High Demand Marks “Veggies for Veterans” Event Amid SNAP Delays
Why Local Food Banks Need Year-Round Support
While Thanksgiving and the winter holidays often inspire charitable giving, food insecurity doesn’t take a vacation. The Orangevale–Fair Oaks Food Bank serves local households throughout the year, providing not just food but resources and hope to families navigating difficult circumstances.
Mr. Drain’s initiative highlights an important truth: businesses have the power to mobilize their communities in ways that extend far beyond their core services. By integrating charitable giving into their everyday operations, they created a model that’s both sustainable and scalable—one that other local businesses could easily adapt.
Small Acts, Lasting Impact
What makes the “Flush Away Hunger” drive particularly noteworthy isn’t just the donations collected, but the approach behind it. Rather than positioning themselves as saviors, Mr. Drain framed the initiative as a community effort—one where customers, employees, and the company itself all played a role.
This kind of grassroots engagement matters. It reminds us that supporting our neighbors doesn’t require wealth or influence—just awareness, empathy, and action. Whether it’s donating canned goods during a plumbing appointment or volunteering at a local food bank, every contribution adds up.
Continuing the Momentum
As the holiday season continues, Mr. Drain is encouraging Sacramento-area residents to keep supporting the Orangevale–Fair Oaks Food Bank and other local nonprofits. The need doesn’t disappear when the decorations come down, and sustained community support is what allows these organizations to fulfill their missions year-round.
For businesses looking to make a difference, Mr. Drain’s approach offers a blueprint: start where you are, use what you have, and invite your community to join you. The results might surprise you.
About Mr. Drain Plumbing
Mr. Drain Plumbing provides residential and commercial plumbing services throughout the Sacramento area, specializing in water heater repair, hydro-jetting, trenchless pipe replacement, and more. Their fully insured team combines advanced technology with a commitment to customer satisfaction and community engagement.
To learn more about Mr. Drain Plumbing, visit mrdrainplumbers.com. For current seasonal specials and coupons, check out their coupons page.
Looking for ways to support your local community this holiday season? Consider donating to the Orangevale–Fair Oaks Food Bank or reaching out to nonprofits in your area to see how you can help.
Published by: STM Daily News
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The Holiday Spirit Matters But So Does What Happens After
The Holiday Spirit: Holiday generosity is powerful, but community needs don’t end when the decorations come down. Learn practical ways to give back year round—volunteering, donating, sharing skills, and supporting causes you believe in—with help from United Way.
The Holiday Spirit Matters — Why Giving Back Should Last All Year
(Family Features) During the holiday season, many people feel a renewed sense of generosity. It’s a time when communities come alive with food drives, toy collections, volunteer events and donation campaigns – all fueled by the spirit of giving. While this seasonal energy can be powerful, the need it responds to doesn’t fade when the decorations come down. Giving back is not only essential during the holidays; it’s also the foundation of stronger, more resilient communities year round. People in nearly every community face challenges – whether it’s affording holiday presents or meeting basic needs like food, rent and utilities. For many families, current economic strains are forcing them to make tough decisions like sacrificing necessities or depleting savings to create moments of holiday joy.
This is a time to rally support and help neighbors in need. Right now, many community members who didn’t previously need help are seeking support. Acts of generosity large and small help close gaps and strengthen communities. When individuals and businesses give their time, resources and talent, they can help ensure everyone has a fair chance to not only survive but thrive. Communities rely on nonprofit organizations like United Way – one of the oldest and largest organizations committed to tackling local challenges and mobilizing communities to improve lives. With a presence in nearly 99% of communities across the U.S., the organization recognizes the power of giving and relies on seasonal and year-round generosity to deliver food and housing assistance, youth programs, mental health support, disaster recovery and more. This holiday season and beyond, to assist your community consider taking actions such as: Volunteering Offering your time is one way to make a real change in your community while helping build a more resilient future for all. What’s more, research shows the personal benefits of volunteering, such as reduced feelings of isolation, loneliness and risk of depression. Whether it’s a community event, ongoing support or in-person activities, making a difference for others feels good. Donating Sharing your financial resources can play a vital role in helping communities thrive. Your donation can help put food on the table for families in need, support kids who are struggling or provide mental health services to the most vulnerable individuals. Remember, your gift of any size combines with the gifts of others and builds stronger, more resilient communities. Sharing Expertise or Talent Generosity can take many forms. Making a difference isn’t just about time and money; it can also mean sharing skills or knowledge, and even social networks to bolster charitable efforts. Giving back builds a shared sense of responsibility. It reminds people that strong communities don’t happen by accident – they’re created through connection, compassion and collective action. Supporting Causes You Believe In Every community faces their own unique, pressing challenges and almost everyone has a cause that’s close to their hearts. Identify organizations working to advance those causes and make a plan to support them. Find opportunities to support your community this holiday season and make generosity a year-round tradition at unitedway.org/local. Nourishing Our Heroes: Eight Years of Impact at Phoenix VA’s Veggies for VeteransLink: https://stmdailynews.com/nourishing-our-heroes-eight-years-of-impact-at-phoenix-vas-veggies-for-veterans/
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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/
STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/
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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.
Last Updated on December 24, 2025 by Daily News Staff
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.
You 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. Stories of Change: People Making a Difference
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Diana Gregory Outreach Services Receives $25,000 Grant from BHHS Legacy Foundation
Diana Gregory Outreach Services was awarded a $25,000 grant from the BHHS Legacy Foundation as part of a $625,000 initiative supporting 25 Arizona nonprofits.
Last Updated on December 22, 2025 by Daily News Staff
One of 25 Arizona nonprofits awarded funding as part of Legacy’s $625,000 hunger-relief initiative
As food insecurity continues to impact a record number of Arizona families, BHHS Legacy Foundation has announced a major investment in local hunger relief — awarding $25,000 to 25 food-access organizations across the Valley, a total of $625,000.
Diana Gregory Outreach Services (DGOS) is among the organizations selected. DGOS, founded and led by Diana Gregory, is best known for Gregory’s Fresh Market, a mobile farmers’ market program that delivers fresh produce, nutrition education, and wellness resources directly to seniors, veterans, and underserved communities across Phoenix.
BHHS Legacy Foundation CEO Jerry Wissink said the foundation chose to mark its 25th anniversary by supporting “the community heroes who make a difference every single day.” Since its founding, the BHHS Legacy Foundation has invested more than $150 million into programs that strengthen families and communities across Arizona.
“This grant will help us expand our reach and continue delivering fresh, nutritious food to seniors and veterans who rely on our mobile markets and outreach events,” said Diana Gregory.
DGOS’s recent community work was covered by STM Daily News in the article “High Demand Marks Veggies for Veterans Event Amid SNAP Delays”, which highlighted increased need at a veterans outreach event and DGOS’s role stepping up when SNAP benefits were delayed.
Full list of organizations awarded $25,000
The BHHS Legacy Foundation awarded $25,000 each to the following 25 organizations:
- Advance Community for Washington Elementary School District
- Advance Community for Murphy Elementary School District
- Andre House of Arizona
- Arizona Food Bank Network
- AZCEND
- Desert Mission
- Diana Gregory Outreach Services
- Fighter Country Foundation – Luke AFB Food Pantry
- Glendale Elementary School District – System of Care
- Harvest Compassion Center
- The Joy Bus
- Justa Center
- Neighborhood Ministries
- Nourish Phoenix
- Phoenix College – Bumstead Resource Room
- PV Community Food Bank
- Rosie’s House – Healthy Meals Program
- Salvation Army – Glendale Community Center
- Scottsdale Community Partners – Weekend Food Program
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul
- St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
- United Food Bank
- Waste Not
- West Valley Community Food Pantry
- YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix – Elder Meals Program
Why this gift matters
The $625,000 anniversary gift reflects BHHS Legacy Foundation’s commitment to addressing food insecurity at the community level. For organizations like DGOS, targeted grants of this size help cover operating costs, expand mobile delivery capacity, fund refrigerated transport, support staffing, and increase the number of outreach events—directly translating to more families and seniors receiving nutritious food.
Learn more / Donate
- Diana Gregory Outreach Services — dianagregory.com
- BHHS Legacy Foundation — bhhslegacy.org
- Frontdoors Media coverage of the grant initiative
- STM Daily News — Veggies for Veterans event (DGOS coverage)
About BHHS Legacy Foundation
The Foundation focuses on improving health, nutrition, and quality of life for Arizonans. This $625,000 anniversary gift continues Legacy’s long-standing commitment to ensuring no family goes hungry and that vulnerable populations receive the nutrition support they need.
Learn more:
BHHS Legacy Foundation – https://bhhslegacy.org/
Frontdoors Media Coverage – https://frontdoorsmedia.com/featured/bhhs-legacy-foundation-awards-625000-to-valley-food-banks-to-meet-critical-need/
About Diana Gregory Outreach Services
DGOS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enriching lives through healthy eating. Its mobile programs deliver fresh produce and wellness resources to seniors, veterans, and other underserved communities across Phoenix.
Learn more or support their work:
Diana Gregory Outreach Services – https://dianagregory.com
Published by STM Daily News. For press inquiries or more information about Diana Gregory Outreach Services, please contact DGOS.
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