Christmas Uncanceled: Holiday Food Outreach

Date: December 20, 2023

Location: Lake Havasu City

‘Christmas Uncanceled’: Havasu native gathers business owners, friends to fulfill community’s needs By LA’ERICA CONNER-SIMS Today’s News-Herald Dec 20, 2023 Lake Havasu City native Doug Hunter, second from left, distributed food and other donated items to local residents with friends and local business owners. One man is making the world a better place starting with his hometown. During the holiday season, families can often face unexpected financial strain and other devastating troubles. Rising consumer prices and living on fixed incomes affect residents across the city. Acting as a resolve to some of those problems is Lake Havasu City native Doug Hunter. Creating his business Yard Doctor in 2011 helped Hunter establish friendships that came in handy this holiday season. Working as a landscaper, Hunter has accumulated a slew of colleagues within various industries. After making a post on Facebook, Hunter learned of many residents who were struggling for Thanksgiving and Christmas. A brainstorming session led him to ask other business owners for help with donations and support. “I realized that this year the requests for help had outgrown my means. I know a lot of (the business owners) are really kind people that have it in their heart to help as well,” Hunter said. “So, I just started networking with them and everybody was really on board with it.” In past years, Hunter describes helping those less fortunate or struggling on a smaller scale. This year, Hunter received help from 12 local businesses, friends and family, including his mother. His project, which Hunter entitled Christmas Uncanceled, served families, individuals, and senior citizens. Long-established Havasu company Cook Brothers Concrete Pumping aided Hunter with additional donations. From food for holiday dinners to decorations, the family-owned business added to Hunter’s mission. Austin Cook, who works alongside his father Ray, says giving back to the community is a familiar action for his family. Cook’s father can often be found donning Santa Claus attire at schools or residential homes, Cook described. As a personal acquaintance of Hunter, Cook quickly became involved after hearing his request. “We gave full meals both Christmas and Thanksgiving,” Cook added. “It’s good to be able to give back to our communities for people that have losses. It makes myself and my family feel good and fortunate enough that we can help others.” Holiday decorations were donated by Cook and later distributed by Hunter. Other seasonal items, such as Christmas trees, were also received by Hunter who provided them to local families. During the project’s distribution days, Hunter says that three individuals consistently volunteered their time to help. Dale Bury, Steve Mihali of Mihali Cycles, and his son Stephen Mihali, Jr., assisted Hunter with over 40 deliveries. Including children in the community project became commonplace for Hunter, who says at least seven youth participated. Mihali’s son, who celebrates his 19th birthday on Saturday, succeeded in completing multiple deliveries, Mihali said. Including his son, who is diagnosed with autism, created an opportunity for both men. “I just wanted him to get involved and do it with us. I wanted him to see and help and meet people,” Mihali continued. “I’ve always just helped out at church or things like that, but never like this before. I think we touched quite a few people.” In addition to food and decorations, Hunter says that $2,825 was distributed among families before Christmas. A total count of residents helped equaled 18 for Thanksgiving and 29 for Christmas, Hunter added. Reflecting on his recent accomplishment, Hunter hopes that more residents can receive assistance next year. A personal ministry that Hunter manages has given him the tools to work with community members. Through Streethearts Ministry, Hunter says that “lifting spirits” is part of his philosophy. A goal that Hunter hopes to start is creating his nonprofit organization. The ambitious aspiration is one that Hunter says will better his hometown. “All these things, just people at rock bottom and helping people get on their feet is kind of like my thing, something I’m passionate about,” Hunter said. “This is my hometown, so it’s important to me to leave a positive footprint. I want to make the world a better place starting right here.”

Impact: Over 47 families received full holiday meals and decorations, and $2,825 was distributed to those in need. Volunteers delivered food, decorations, and Christmas trees to struggling families.