Since its founding in 1997, SaddleBrooke Community Outreach (SBCO) has focused on assisting children in Arizona’s Copper Corridor communities—from Catalina to Globe –which were built around the mining industry. When many of the mines closed in the 1990s, unemployment soared, economic opportunities shrank and poverty rates increased. Of the 17 schools served by SBCO, all are Title I Schools, meaning at least 40 percent of the students come from low-income families. In some schools, the figure is as high as 90 percent.
Over its 26+ year history, SBCO has dramatically expanded its service area and increased the variety and scope of its programs, benefitting tens of thousands of children. Our members, volunteers, donors, leaders and Board of Directors are committed to SBCO’s mission of providing opportunities for kids to succeed.
SBCO is an all-volunteer organization. In 2023 to 2024, our volunteers from SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch logged over 70,800 hours of service, which is equivalent to a nearly $2.4 million payroll. This labor enabled us to implement our programs to Feed, Clothe, Enrich and Educate local youngsters.
Our programs provided nearly $1,000,000 of assistance to children and families living throughout our 100-mile service area. Funding sources included donations from SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch residents, contributions from local business supporters, and distributions from the Golden Goose Thrift Shop.
To help feed families in Oracle, Mammoth, and San Manuel, SBCO ran a Food Drive in March 2024 for the Tri-Community Food Bank. SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch residents very generously donated 18,000 pounds of food and more than $ 130,000. Approximately 140 volunteers sorted and packed the items for transport to the TCFB. In November Thanksgiving Food Baskets were delivered to 111 families.
To help clothe the youngsters, Kids’ Closet provided nearly 1,500 children with almost 3,000 complete wardrobes for fall and spring. Teen Closet provided more than 90 teens, who maintained good grades and performed community service, with fall and spring wardrobes. Hundreds of volunteers staffed these programs.
To help enrich the lives of these kids, SBCO distributed nearly $135,000 in grants to teachers, schools, sport teams, libraries and preschool programs. In the spirit of the winter holidays, 628 children and 143 adults in nearby communities received holiday gifts via the Adopt-a-Family/Child program, thanks to donors and shoppers in SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch.
To help educate high school graduates continuing their education or training, 134 students received either two-year or four-year scholarships, an investment in their futures totaling more than $340,000. The Scholarship Endowment Fund, launched shortly before the pandemic, is now valued in excess of $500,000.
Residents of SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch also enjoyed two community events offered by SBCO. Quite a few pets and about 275 participants enjoyed the 2024 Walk for Kids, thanks to the efforts of approximately 50 volunteers. More than 135 volunteers planned and staffed the 2024 Home Tour during which 580 eager participants visited six remodeled homes.
For everyone who volunteered for, led, participated in, or supported SBCO’s activities, know that you have made a lasting positive impact in the lives of thousands of children and teens. On behalf of the SBCO Board, please accept our gratitude and our thanks.
Puerto Peñasco visitors will soon face tourist permit enforcement
