Throughout the year, many City of Prescott employees volunteer their time and money to help the less fortunate in our community—both two-legged, and four-legged. This holiday season saw their efforts redoubled in the face of the most challenged economy in decades. The stories around city staff and their charitable contributions are too numerous to list, but the following are representative of their efforts.

City staffer rounds up employees for food drive

The City of Prescott's payroll specialist Debra Bellingham for the second year identified a need in the community and responded to it. She knew that the Coalition for Compassionate Justice (CCJ) organization was currently serving more needy families then ever before. Instead of wishing on a star, Bellingham encouraged fellow employees to participate in a food drive based out of City Hall. "Through the generosity of our staff, we were able to gather over 1,000 food items to donate to CCJ's Open Door pantry," she says. "They provide everything from sack lunches for school aged children to baby and pet food. Support like the City of Prescott's has made a difference in the lives of over 5,000 people in need this year."

Councilman Kuknyo gobbles up opportunity to help food bank

He may have the most difficult to pronounce name on city council, but Chris Kuknyo had no difficulty in following his burning desire to feed the hungry. This year, he put considerable effort into the Flying High Turkey Drive and 24-Food Drive for one of his favorite causes, the Yavapai County Food Bank. "In the past, I'd dress up as a turkey to help promote the effort which provides turkeys for the food bank's food boxes," explains Kuknyo. This year, out of costume, Kuknyo says he and his fellow volunteers partnered with the Fry's on Willow Creek and were able to raise enough money to donate 2,500 turkeys. Kuknyo brought his broadcasting skills to the 24-Hour Food Drive by working with local radio stations soliciting pledges to benefit the food bank in 2012. "Hunger doesn't take break in January, February, and March so funds raised from this drive will help us stock up for next year."

Mayor visits vets on Christmas Day

Though Mayor Marlin Kuykendall visits patients at the Bob Stump Memorial VA Medical Center throughout the year, he still carved out time from his busy schedule to join the Prescott Antique Auto Club to hand out gifts to resident veterans on Christmas Day. "It was my honor to spend time with these men who have served our country, many without family nearby, and help bring a smile to their faces with our presence and caring and gifts from the Antique Auto Club and their volunteers."

The Prescott Antique Auto Club raises the money for the gifts through its annual car show at Watson Lake.

Firefighters go on "search and shop" call

Prescott Firefighter's Charities partnered again this year with Prescott Gateway Mall to help make Christmas extra special for local families.

According to fire inspector Kristi Gagnon, firefighters from the Prescott FD and Granite Mountain Hot Shots went on a call" to the mall a few days before Christmas. "They each searched for that perfect gift for a boy or girl in our community who would otherwise go without presents on Christmas morning."

Gagnon says funds for the shopping spree were provided by Westcor and Prescott Firefighter's Charities three main fundraisers - the Horseshoe Tournament, the Luau at the Old Firehouse Plaza, and the All-Corvette car show.

Throughout the year, Prescott Firefighters Charities also contributes to other charitable causes in the community.

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Prescott PD rolls with "Shop with a Cop" 2010

The Prescott Police Department teamed up with officers and law enforcement volunteers from 11 state and local agencies for the 14th annual "Shop with a Cop" program. This year, the program paired over 80 children with participating officers who shopped together to select family Christmas gifts at Walmart, Gail Gardner Way.

The program received a boost this year when Prescott Police Chief Mike Kabbel and Sergeant Georgia Davies accepted a check for $500 from Ruger employees.

Chief Kabbel started the program 14 years ago and is gratified to see its value and growth. "Each year we're building a connection between the officers and the children and letting them know that law enforcement officers are here to help them."

Not only did the children have an opportunity to shop for their families, but they also rode in patrol cars and took pictures with Santa — who left his reindeer at the Pole in favor of arriving at the Wal-Mart parking lot via a Native Air helicopter.

Shop with a Cop is funded solely by donations from local businesses and community members, brightens the holidays for needy children nominated by their schools and social service agencies.