Join Gilbert's Annual Food Drive: Your Chance to Make a Difference

Gilbert is rallying its community for the annual Feeding Families food drive, running from February 12th to the 25th, aiming to support local families facing food insecurity.

This initiative invites residents to contribute non-perishable food items at various drop-off points across the town or to make financial donations directly to local food banks. Remarkably, every dollar donated can translate into five meals or procure $30 worth of food, significantly amplifying the impact of each contribution.

The food drive seeks a wide array of non-perishable items, including canned goods, pasta, rice, cereals, and much more, with a particular emphasis on healthy options. However, it's important to note that glass containers and citrus fruits are not accepted, though specific food banks welcome direct donations of citrus.

Businesses, schools, and churches throughout Gilbert have joined forces as collection sites, some even offering incentives to encourage donations.

For those wishing to contribute financially, several food banks and pantries are accepting donations online, where a small amount can yield substantial food supplies thanks to the food banks' purchasing power. In addition, these organizations are always in need of volunteers and food donations to continue their vital work in the community.

Full Details, including what items to donate, where to drop off, cash donations, volunteer options, and more.

Gilbert Police Close In on Classifying Teen Violence as Gang Activity

The Gilbert Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Michael Soelberg, is advancing in its inquiry into the potential classification of perpetrators of recent teen violence in the East Valley as gang members.

This ongoing effort is part of a broader investigation into a series of violent incidents involving teenagers, which has already led to 25 arrests since the beginning of 2024. Soelberg highlighted that the department is examining specific criteria to determine if these groups meet the legal definition of a gang.

The outcome of this investigation could significantly impact the prosecution of these cases, in collaboration with both Maricopa and Pinal County attorney's offices. The police chief has committed to providing a detailed briefing upon the investigation's conclusion, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in solving these crimes. This initiative underscores the department's dedication to addressing teen violence with a comprehensive and judicial approach.

A Century of Change: Gilbert Matriarch Celebrates 100 Years

June Neely Morrison, a lifelong resident of Gilbert, Arizona, recently celebrated her 100th birthday, marking a century filled with personal achievements and witnessing the evolution of her hometown from a farming community to a modern suburb.

As the matriarch of a family that contributed significantly to the area's agricultural heritage, Morrison has experienced the transformation of Gilbert's landscape, where the farms and open spaces of her youth have been replaced by residential and commercial developments.

Despite these changes, Morrison maintains a positive outlook on life, attributing her longevity to genetics, a healthy lifestyle, and an active engagement in her interests and community. Her story reflects not only the personal journey of a woman who has lived through significant historical events but also the broader narrative of Gilbert's transition over the past century.

From Chocolate to Marshmallow: The Unique Twists of Toasted Mallow Cupcakery

In Gilbert and Chandler, a tale of two confections unfolds at Toasted Mallow Cupcakery, where the love for sweets is celebrated in two distinct yet harmonious ways across its Gilbert and Chandler locations. Under the unified banner of Toasted Mallow, these sister stores serve up joy, one scrumptious treat at a time, with a tale that's as sweet as their offerings.

A Tale of Two Confections

Originally known as Sweet Daddy Cupcakes, the Chandler store recently underwent a rebranding to align more closely with its Gilbert counterpart, which has delighted patrons with marshmallow treats for six years. Despite sharing a name, each location maintains its unique focus: Gilbert’s Toasted Mallow dazzles with marshmallow delicacies, while Chandler’s Toasted Mallow Cupcakery reigns supreme in the cupcake domain.

The Magic Behind the Marshmallows and More

The brainchild behind this sugary empire has been infusing the Chandler venue with marshmallow-inspired creations, slowly blending the essence of both shops. Yet, the heart of Chandler remains dedicated to its vast array of scratch-made cupcakes, with chocolate leading the charge as the crowd favorite. From the decadent banana foster to the zesty lemon, the flavors are as varied as they are delightful, ensuring there's a cupcake for every palate.

Craftsmanship and Creativity

What sets Toasted Mallow Cupcakery apart is not just the quality of ingredients but the artistry and craftsmanship that go into each cupcake. Contrasting the uniformity of grocery store offerings, each treat at Toasted Mallow Cupcakery is a testament to the creativity and skill of its bakers. Special requests? They welcome the challenge, turning customers' visions into edible realities.

Expansion on the Horizon

With the Chandler store now echoing the Toasted Mallow moniker, the vision for expansion is ever-present, driven by a passion for bringing exceptional cupcakes and marshmallow treats to more sweet tooths across the valley. The call to "shop local" is a reminder of the community-centric ethos that Toasted Mallow Cupcakery embodies.

Community and Confections Collide

At its core, Toasted Mallow Cupcakery is more than just a bakery; it's a vibrant part of the Gilbert & Chandler community, a place where every bite tells a story of passion, creativity, and local pride.

More Info: https://thetoastedmallow.com/

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