Last month, Arrowhead came out to Los Angeles’ homeless community to donate water, keeping some of the city’s most vulnerable residents hydrated during the recent heat wave. The donation was part of the spring water company’s dedication to the various regions they serve. In addition to the water donation, the Arrowhead team shared “handshakes, hugs and words of encouragement.”
The event started with loading an 8-bay Arrowhead® truck with 15,000 .5 liter bottles of Arrowhead® water at the LA branch located on Washington Blvd.
“From there, we took two carloads of volunteers to the ‘heart’ of Skid Row (7th & San Pedro in LA). We parked the truck, rolled up the truck doors and unloaded cases of water on to the sidewalk,” explained donation group leader Robert Griffith.
“From there, our Arrowhead® volunteers paired off in groups of two and walked the streets holding as many bottles/cases of water as we could handing out to each person we encountered.”
Lately, said Arrowhead officials, they have seen the homeless population in California increase weekly and feel it is their duty to give back.
“The idea for the Skid Row water distribution event came about as the heat began to rise in SoCal (consecutive 90+ degree heat days in LA) and we became aware of the water shortages occurring in our local rescue missions and food banks,” said donation group leader Rob Griffith.
“The employees that gave their time did so completely voluntarily, they care deeply about the LA population.”
And, Tthat population is grateful for the team’s efforts.
“The homeless community received us and our water gifts very well,” Griffith told the Sentinel.
“We served and spoke with 1,000+ people during [the giveaway]. Most do not have access to clean water and are extremely grateful when our Arrowhead® truck pulls up and opens its doors. A majority of the people inform us that we are the only organization that performs this type of street level distribution. We serve all kinds of people from men, women, children, military vets, those with mental health conditions and those with drug/alcohol issues. Regardless of the condition, everyone states they are happy to see us and are in dire need of water….”
