SPOTLIGHT: ALL FAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES

FROM THE HEART

I’ve had All Faith Community Services (“All Faith”) on my list from the very beginning. It has always been my goal to support those doing selfless, from-the-heart work in our community by sharing their stories here.

Through my involvement with Buckeye Civic Institute (“BCI”), I’ve had the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of numerous local organizations. There is so much I want to share with you about so many different people and places— so much goodness is happening in our community. I just wish I had more time (or required less sleep).

Last week’s BCI topic was “non-profits,” and part of that class included a tour of All Faith. Seeing firsthand how much they’re doing, how urgently they need volunteer support, and how great the community need is for their services, I knew I couldn’t let another week go by without sharing their story.

Luckily, both Laura and Shanna (pictured above, more on them below) are my BCI classmates, and they were kind enough to carve out time in their very busy schedules to meet with me. What follows is a very condensed version of the one-hour tour, our 45-minute meeting/conversation, and approximately ten pages of notes, both mine and statistics provided to me by Laura.

Now let’s get into it, because there’s a lot to cover…

MOVING MOUNTAINS IN THE DESERT

In the heart of Buckeye, tucked behind a faded sign, in a modest building that once served as a church, something extraordinary is happening. All Faith is a food bank (and a partner agency of St. Mary’s) that also provides numerous other resources. They aren’t just feeding the hungry—they’re moving mountains and changing lives.

Many of our neighbors face struggles we never see: food insecurity, job loss, housing instability. In places like Gila Bend, where they don’t even have a grocery store, All Faith is a lifeline to those in need. And, they rely on the us—volunteers, donors, and supporters—to keep their mission alive.

They are the only food bank providing resources to households within an area covering 600 square miles. Imagine how many people they are serving. Imagine how many people depend on them.

They imagine how much more they could do if they only had more help.

VOLUNTEERS: THE LIFEBLOOD OF ALL FAITH

Volunteers are the heart of All Faith. In 2024 alone, they gave an astounding 42,747 hours of service, valued at over $1.4 million dollars in labor, freely given.

Volunteers are the hands that connect food to families, the ones who lift, sort, stock, distribute, and care. They work in the office, on the dock, in the food room putting boxes together, in the thrift store, and in the back, cleaning and organizing donated items.

And yet, some days the warehouse is full of food—but there are no hands to bridge the gap. A reader emailed me many weeks ago saying they often have to close early because there are no volunteers. Needless to say, they are in desperate need of volunteers and if you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, this is a place you should consider.

Just a few volunteer stats:

• Volunteers are needed daily — especially those who can lift and assist with food distribution.

• Groups like Just Serve (LDS) show up every Wednesday for two hours.

• Clayton Homes sends a team of 2-4 people daily.

• Professionals like Karen, a nurse practitioner, give their time every week.

• Volunteer, Liz, has invested over 1,032 service hours!

• Volunteer, Barbara Rasmussen (pictured below), put in 1,140 service hours in 2024 alone. She provides administrative support, help with decor and celebrations, and brings joy to every task. Her big smile hit me right in the heart!

Every role matters. Every hand helps. Every minute of volunteering is important. And for most, All Faith becomes more than just a place to serve — it becomes home.

ANGELS AMONG US

I knew I was going to be met with some resistance so, I am grateful to these leaders (pictured in cover collage, lower left) for allowing me to share just a little bit about their individual stories and what led them to All Faith.

Fortunately, I didn’t have to wrestle them to the ground, but we did have to have a brief conversation about why I think it’s important to highlight who they are, so we can connect with them. Perhaps you can see yourself in one of their stories. These are selfless, strong, extremely smart, beautiful, humble women who wanted to be sure the focus of this remained on All Faith, and not themselves. That said, please meet:

CASSIE WILKINS (Executive Director)

Cassie Wilkins still remembers the moment that changed everything. It was the mid-90s, and she was volunteering out of her small church near the White Tanks. A call came in about a man who needed fuel. [She tears up even now, all these years later, telling the story.] When she arrived, she found him in a battered Winnebago with two young children, living in heartbreaking conditions. She helped him — not just with gas, but with groceries and supplies. Then she returned to her pastor and said, “We have to do something.” That was the spark that turned into an inferno.

From the early days, she was instrumental in connecting people, churches and resources into what we all now know as All Faith.

Nearly three decades later, Cassie is still serving — now as Executive Director of All Faith — and the organization she helped build has become a lifeline for thousands upon thousands of people. It’s hard to even imagine how many lives have been changed because of her.

SHANNA BAILEY (Director of Operations)

Shanna Bailey, first came to All Faith in tears and in need. She had recently lost her job because her recovery from surgery took too long, and she had young mouths to feed. She was directed to All Faith. It was that reluctant call that changed everything. On the other end of the phone she found hope. It started with one food box, one moment of grace. She kept coming back, first as a volunteer (often with her kids), then as Food Room Manager, and now as the Director of Operations, managing both the office and food distribution. She’s been with All Faith for eight years.

“I’m so blessed,” she says. “This isn’t work. This is just what I do. I fit here.” She adds, “We tell our volunteers — we’re broken people, healing broken people.”

Many arrive not knowing the mission, only to discover friendship, belonging, community, and a sense of purpose. As she says, All Faith feeds the body and the soul.

LAURA COLANTONI (President of the Board of Directors)

Laura Colantoni’s journey was different, but the result was the same. At a personal and professional crossroads in 2023, she began volunteering one day a week. Today, she’s the President of the Board of Directors, using her business skills to help steer the organization’s growth and future. She and the board (15 strong) are laying the groundwork for strategic expansion and deeper community involvement, including future committee openings and collaboration.

BUILT BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE

All Faith was born out of a need — and a movement. When federal funding shifted in the 1990s, small organizations and churches banded together in Avondale to create something new: a community-based, faith-driven effort to serve those in crisis.

Churches became “lighthouses” in each neighborhood. Volunteers stepped in. And slowly, the pieces came together: food distribution, clothing assistance, and a place where people could come not just to get help — but to give it.

Over time, All Faith grew — being gifted building locations, creating partnerships, and now operating multiple distribution points (in addition to their main building in downtown Buckeye):

• A location in Goodyear

• Twice-monthly mobile food bank at Lighthouse Fellowship (Litchfield Park)

• End-of-month Saturday drive-thru food distribution at Skyway Church (Goodyear)

They’re currently awaiting news on Buckeye’s Catalyst Grant to renovate the front of their building, and Teravalis™️ (Howard Hughes Holdings, Inc.) has already stepped up to fund a new sign (among other things).

BY THE NUMBERS

Just a few of the staggering statistics:

• 100–125 (approx.) families served daily

• Nearly 23,000 food boxes were distributed in 2024

• Average food box weighs 65 pounds

• In 2024, 1.9 million pounds of food saved from landfills

• 50 daily homeless care bags (up from [the need for] twelve just two years ago)

• 257 families helped at February’s 2-hour drive-up Farmer’s Market; 10,280 pounds of food was moved in 120 minutes!

• Families receive, on average, 170 pounds of food per month, valued at approximately $340.

They operate entirely on volunteer power, with no paid staff. Every dollar donated and every item purchased at their thrift store directly supports their food programs.

WAIT THERE’S MORE

They also run these and many other several specialized programs:

• Commodities for Seniors (“CSFP”): 135 seniors (age 60+) served monthly

• Eagle Tail Seniors: 35 home-delivered food boxes, twice a month

• Bridges Reaching the Elderly and Disabled (“BRIDGES”): Monthly food boxes delivered to disabled and homebound (age 55+)

• Green Bag Program: Weekend food bags for 20 children at local schools

• Day Bags: Shelf-stable food for approximately 50 homeless individuals daily

• Monthly Farmers Market (first Wednesday of the month): Drive-up event open to members.

FORGOTTEN TREASURES

All Faith’s thrift store - Forgotten Treasures of Buckeye - is more than just affordable (true “thrift store” pricing!) — it’s mission-driven.

Twice a year, families in need receive clothing vouchers for up to three outfits per household member (up to 8 people). That’s about 500 vouchers a year, with no restrictions — clients are encouraged to shop freely for what they need.

Every dollar spent supports the food bank. Volunteers also earn store credit through their hours of service, and the store accepts donations year-round — especially clothing, kitchen goods, and plastic grocery bags, which are always in high demand.

A “wish list” system helps match donated large items like beds or dressers with specific client needs. And an online store extends the store’s reach beyond its walls.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

📣 Spread the Word:

The easiest way to help? Please share this article. When more people know about All Faith, more people can support their mission. Copy and paste this link and share it with a friend, a neighbor, and on your social feeds — every share helps! Or, easily share from the Social Links in the very top right corner of this article. Thank you! 🤗 

👐 Volunteer:

• One-time or ongoing

• Individuals or groups

• One-day team building events

• Especially needed: MUSCLES (help with lifting, sorting, packing, and warehouse operations)

🛍 Donate Goods:

• Pop-top, shelf-stable food

• Pet food & supplies

• Diapers, wipes, personal and feminine hygiene products

• Plastic grocery bags (They use these daily! Need now! Easy to donate!)

• Seasonal items (coats, blankets, summer wear)

• Water bottles, kitchenware, household goods

• Anything & everything! Clean out those closets & pantries! 😉 

📦️ Host a Drive for:

• Baby Food

• Food

• Clothing

• Diapers (baby and/or adult)

• Hygiene Kits

• Pet Food/Toys

• Socks & Underwear

• Water

• Or consider hosting 1 drive a month for year!

💸 Give Financially:

• All Faith is a qualifying 501c3 Arizona charitable non-profit organization

• Get a dollar-for-dollar tax credit up to $938 (married filing jointly)

• $1 donated = $62 in hunger relief

📆 Attend an Upcoming Event:

• April 5, 2025: Gathering Buckeye - Chuckwagon Charity Feast

• May 17, 2025: Bloom & Bond: Wonderland Tea Party

🔗 Connect + Support:

➡️ Find All Faith Online: Website | Instagram | Facebook

IN CLOSING

Laura said it best as part of the tour:

“We are a hands up, not a hand out program. Our goal is to assist clients in their journey to exit the poverty pipeline, while maintaining their dignity and gaining skills and community connectivity along the way. We are humble but proud servants who need your assistance. Please consider volunteering.”

If you visit All Faith, please tell them The Buzz sent ya! 🐝 

P.S. I’m told there’s a Buzz Super Fan who volunteers at All Faith! I’m sorry I missed you, Bonnie! Thanks for loving The Buzz and thank you for your service. Welcome to Buckeye! 💗 

💌 Get stories like this + so much more delivered for FREE, straight to your inbox every Thursday at 4 PM! ⤵️ 

Do you have a favorite person, place or thing you’d like to see featured here? Email me the details @ vanessa@thebuckeyebuzz.com