Stories of Change
Senior Assist Day Marks Four Years of Supporting Seniors in South Phoenix
Senior Assist Day celebrates four years of serving seniors at Tanner Gardens in South Phoenix, led by Assistory Outreach Services and founder Jon Taylor.
Senior Assist Day Marks Four Years of Supporting Seniors in South Phoenix
PHOENIX, AZ — Senior Assist Day reached a meaningful milestone this year, marking four years of service to seniors living at Tanner Gardens in South Phoenix. Hosted by Assistory Outreach Services, the annual event continues to provide dignity, connection, and practical support to an often-overlooked population.
A Personal Beginning
The origins of Senior Assist Day are deeply personal for Assistory Outreach Services founder and CEO Jon Taylor.
“The origin of me going to Tanner Gardens was when I was with the 100 Black Men of Phoenix. We used to do a luncheon for seniors around December.”
That early connection took on new meaning as Taylor’s mother began showing signs of dementia, inspiring him to create an event rooted in empathy and care.
“I got a great feeling from being around those senior citizens. Senior Assist Day is roughly based on my mother.”
An Event That Continues to Grow
What began as a small gathering has grown into a full community experience. Seniors now enjoy catered meals, live music, personal care services, and gifts tailored to their needs.
This year’s event included authentic Mexican food, live holiday music, haircuts provided by AJ’s Barbershop, and the donation of new shoes — a moment that stood out for many attendees.
“Seeing the excitement and how they were reacting to the new shoes was incredible,” Taylor said.
Beyond a Single Day
Senior Assist Day also helps build trust between Assistory Outreach Services and the residents of Tanner Gardens, opening the door to additional programs throughout the year.
Through initiatives like the Digital Access Program for Seniors (DAPs), the organization helps seniors develop basic phone and computer skills, empowering them to stay connected and informed.
Challenges and Purpose
Keeping the event going year after year requires dedication and resources. Taylor personally raises funds and helps purchase gifts for more than 130 residents annually.
Despite the challenges, his motivation remains strong.
“I do feel as though this is my ministry. I’m providing services, and I’m being fulfilled at the same time.”
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Taylor envisions Senior Assist Day becoming an all-day celebration, offering expanded services, entertainment, and meals — all focused exclusively on the residents of Tanner Gardens.
As the event enters its fifth year, Senior Assist Day stands as a testament to what consistent community engagement and compassion can achieve.
About Assistory Outreach Services
Assistory Outreach Services is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering seniors, low-income residents, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Assistory helps senior citizens embrace technology by teaching basic cell phone and computer skills, using a formula rooted in education, love, and patience to remove fear and build confidence. In addition to senior programming, the organization focuses on serving low-income and homeless populations by providing food boxes, holiday meals, and homeless care packages known as Assist Packs. This year, Assistory Outreach Services is expanding its impact by partnering with other nonprofits and religious organizations to coordinate food distribution through its community food pantry.
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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. Santander participated for the first time, while Peddler’s Son donated watermelons.
Last Updated on September 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Santander made its first appearance alongside 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, Legacy, BHHS Legacy and Santander.
“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.
Lifestyle
P.F. Chang’s Partners With Starlight Children’s Foundation for New “Spirit of the Zodiac” Giving Campaign
P.F. Chang’s launches Spirit of the Zodiac, a giving campaign supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation with Bao plush purchases and in-restaurant donations.
P.F. Chang’s Launches Spirit of the Zodiac Campaign to Support Starlight Children’s Foundation
P.F. Chang’s is launching a new annual charitable initiative designed to bring comfort to children during hospital stays. The Scottsdale-based restaurant brand announced Spirit of the Zodiac, a giving program inspired by the Chinese zodiac, with its inaugural campaign—Year of the Fire Horse: Spirit of Strength—benefiting Starlight Children’s Foundation.
What the campaign supports
Starlight Children’s Foundation serves more than 800 children’s hospitals nationwide, providing programs such as toy deliveries, hospital gowns, gaming stations, and other experiences intended to help kids feel more comfortable, connected, and supported during medical care.
How guests can participate (Sept. 2–Sept. 30)
From September 2 through September 30, 2026, guests can purchase Bao, a limited-edition horse plushie, for $10 through dine-in transactions at participating P.F. Chang’s restaurants (while supplies last). For each Bao purchased, P.F. Chang’s will donate an identical Bao plushie to Starlight for distribution through its hospital network—up to 20,000 donated plushies.
Guests can also support the campaign by rounding up their checks or making a direct donation in restaurant. The overall effort aims to raise $500,000 to support Starlight’s work with children and families.
Bonus offer for donors
P.F. Chang’s says guests who purchase Bao or make an in-restaurant donation of $10 or more to Starlight will receive an offer for a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of an entrée on a future dine-in visit, valid through October 31, 2026 (restrictions apply; participating locations only).
A story component for families
The campaign also includes a storytelling element: Bao’s journey will be featured in a digital story and an original children’s book by author Jenny Liao and illustrator Adriane Tsai, expected to publish later this month.
What to watch for
P.F. Chang’s and Starlight plan to continue the partnership beyond September, including in-hospital catering and plush deliveries in early October.
For more information, visit www.pfchangs.com/offers/spirit-of-the-zodiac. To learn more about the partnership, visit starlight.org/pfchangs.
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Community
Chicken Salad Chick Foundation Presents Record-Breaking Donation to CURE Childhood Cancer
Chicken Salad Chick Foundation raised a record $382,604.30 for CURE Childhood Cancer in 2025, fueled by Cookies for a CURE and the Giving Card program.
Chicken Salad Chick and the guests who keep its dining rooms busy just delivered a major win for pediatric cancer research and family support in Atlanta and beyond.
The fast-casual chicken salad brand announced that through the Chicken Salad Chick Foundation, it raised a record-breaking $382,604.30 for CURE Childhood Cancer throughout 2025. The donation was presented at the companys annual owner conference on March 23, 2026, surpassing last years total by more than $50,000 and marking the largest single gift in the partnerships history.
A hometown partnership with real-world reach
Both organizations are headquartered in Atlanta, and the relationship has become a consistent, community-powered pipeline of support for families navigating childhood cancer. For CURE, that support helps fund targeted research and provide crisis-oriented assistance to patients and caregiversthe kind of help that matters immediately when a diagnosis changes everything.
For families facing a diagnosis right now, that impact is real, said Kristin Connor, CEO of CURE Childhood Cancer. It means more options, more precision, and a better chance at a good outcome.
How the $382K was raised: cookies, cards, and local giving
The 2025 total came from two guest-facing initiatives that have become annual traditions:
- Cookies for a CURE (September 2025): During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Chicken Salad Chick sold its Lemon Burst Buttercream Cookies, with proceeds benefiting CURE Childhood Cancer through the foundation.
- Giving Card program (NovemberDecember 2025): The program splits proceeds50% to CURE Childhood Cancer and 50% to local charities chosen by individual restaurants. Those local partners often include organizations focused on food insecurity and other cancer-related causes.
That second piece is what makes the campaign feel especially community-forward: each restaurant can support national research while also backing on-the-ground organizations in its own neighborhood.
A testament to the generosity of our guests
Chicken Salad Chick President and CEO Scott Deviney credited the milestone to the people who show upguests, franchise owners, and teams across the brands footprint.
Surpassing last years total and reaching a new record is a testament to the generosity of our guests, the dedication of our franchise owners, and the passion our teams bring to serving others, Deviney said. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families facing childhood cancer.
The foundations broader mission: fighting cancer and feeding the hungry
Founded in 2014 by Kevin and Stacy Brown, the Chicken Salad Chick Foundation focuses on two core missions: fighting cancer and feeding the hungry. Since launching in 2017, the foundation has donated more than $2 million to support pediatric cancer research and address food insecurity in local communities.
The brand itself has grown to more than 335 restaurants across 22 states, giving campaigns like Cookies for a CURE a national platformand turning small guest choices into a measurable annual impact.
What to watch for
Cookies for a CURE is set to return this September, again aligning with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. For guests, its a familiar way to participate: order cookies, support families, and help fund research aimed at improving outcomes for kids facing cancer.
For more information, visit www.chickensaladchick.com and www.curechildhoodcancer.org.
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