Summer survival items needed for Operation 'Chill-Out' - Tucson News Now

Summer survival items needed for Operation 'Chill-Out'

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -

The Salvation Army is asking for donations in preparation for Operation "Chill-Out," which kicks off June 1.

Operation "Chill-Out" is a way for our community to help needy Tucsonans, especially the people who live on the street, during the hot summer months.

Donations can be dropped off at any Naughton's location or at The Salvation Army Hospitality House at 1021 N. 11th Ave., where homeless people and others in need can get things that can help them cope in the heat.

As far as water goes, The Salvation Army cupboard is practically bare.

Every year many homeless people end up in the hospital because of the heat and dehydration.

Operation "Chill-Out" is a way for Tucsonans to donate water and other essential items to help The Salvation Army help others.

The Salvation Army distributes the essentials and educates people in the streets about the dangers of Tucson's summers.

People new to Tucson can especially be in danger.

"The last couple of months when the heat has come up … sun stroke, that put me in the hospital the second time," Little Hawk said. "I didn't have the water, the sunscreen and stuff because I didn't know anything about it.

Michael McGraw said, "Out in the direct sunlight you can get burned. They need a lot of sunscreen, hats and water bottles."

Salvation Army Hospitality House program manager Yolie Hasler said, "We get a lot of heat-related illnesses through here - strokes. It's a lot of people that are new to the city and don't understand how they need to protect themselves from our summer season here. So it's very, very important for us to educate them and keep them hydrated as much as possible and offer protection for them."

The Salvation Army can offer that help through the generosity of Tucsonans.

Operation "Chill-Out" starts June 1 and runs through August, but The Salvation Army can use help year-round.

Items needed:

  • Unopened bottled water
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun block
  • Lip balm

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