Harvest Compassion Joins Chamber

by North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

Harvest Compassion Center, Local Food & Clothing Bank
Mitchell Swaback Charities, founder and operator of the Harvest Compassion Center, was created 12 years ago in the memory of Mitch Swaback, a 23 year-old, whose life was cut short in a drowning accident. His family immediately started a private foundation (which has grown into a public charity) to continue Mitch’s legacy of serving others.

MSC’s mission is to challenge and engage a person’s heart in the act of helping others MSC’s vision has been shaped by the lack of local economy growth in recent years. MSC wanted an ongoing project that would truly serve families each and every week, with immediate results as well as an emphasis on getting the local community involved. In 2011, the Harvest Compassion Center (HCC) was born; a local food and clothing bank located in North Phoenix. The HCC is unique from other ‘food banks’ because it allows complete choice and freedom when families enter the center. Families shop freely from the shelves for food, hygiene, clothing and baby items ensuring a very dignified shopping experience. Guests are also given referrals for other areas that they are seeking assistance with during their hardship, such as areas in housing, medical, and employment. The facts are real: 1 in 4 kids and 1 in 5 adults live with food insecurity in Arizona, and HCC sees this first hand three days a week when open.

“Our mission includes running a first class, clean operation where families want to come back when in need,” says Executive Director Nicolee Thompson. “All our clothing has been washed, tagged, and stocked just like a department store, it’s truly the place kids call ‘the free store!’” The HCC holds back-to- school supply drives, as well as a Christmas toy drives. The HCC on average serves 450-500 families a month, which equals approximately 6,000 families a year. The HCC is run by volunteers; some come weekly, monthly or yearly. “We also host work, church, youth, kids groups throughout the year getting as many hands involved as possible!”

Harvest Compassion Center’s brand new Kids Program, Serving S.P.R.O.U.T.S just launched. “Small People Reaching Out Unselfishly To Serve,” is a monthly partner program engaging kids of all ages teaching them the importance of working hard, serving others and giving. Each SPROUT commits to earn $28.00 a month to FEED one family by doing odd jobs around the house, work for friends/neighbors, the skies the limit! “We want our SPROUTS to dream big!” “We also are looking for businesses to get involved with SROUTS to sponsor our kids and host open houses where they can discuss different career fields, hopefully igniting a spark in our kiddos!” “Feel free to contact us today as we continue to strive to make a greater impact!” 

Harvest Compassion Center
4744 E. Thunderbird Road Ste. 9
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: (602) 788-2444
www.harvestcompassioncenter.org