It just doesn’t happen without them. And it’s time they got the recognition they deserve.

Valley of the Sun United Way relies heavily on the generous support of organizations in our community to help it fulfill its mission of improving the lives of children and families in need.

Valley of the Sun United Way announced this year’s members of the Live UNITED Top 20. This designation honors the 20 companies and organizations in our community that are making the most dramatic impact on the work done by United Way — through fundraising, volunteerism or providing expertise and resources.

These 20 organizations play a critical role in ensuring kids succeed, ending homelessness and hunger, and increasing the financial stability of families. Their contributions are diverse, but their commitment to improving the quality of life of children and families in our community is unparalleled.

This year’s honorees are:

APS

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

USAA

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Inc.

QuikTrip

Nationwide E&S/Specialty

Wells Fargo Arizona

Vanguard

Arizona State University

UPS

Edward Jones Investments

Salt River Project

Enterprise Holdings Incorporated

American Airlines

Bank of America

PetSmart, Inc.

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union

General Dynamics

Target Corporation

Macy’s

“On behalf of Valley of the Sun United Way, I would like to congratulate these exceptional organizations and their dedicated employees on their contribution to our community,” said Nancy Dean, Chief Development Officer of Valley of the Sun United Way. “Our Top 20 business partners are building a stronger Valley for all.”

The combined impact of these 20 companies is truly remarkable — including the following key statistics:

• 2.1 Million Breakfast in the Classroom Meals for Students

• 20,000 Meals for Children Provided with Weekend Hunger Backpacks

• 12,000 Plus School Readiness Kits Packed and Distributed

• 850 Teens Received Job Training

• 1,200 Plus Supportive Housing Units Secured to End Homelessness

• 2,500 Students provided needed tools for High School Graduation                 

• 2,600 Received Financial Literacy Coaching to Increase Income and Reduced Debt

“These numbers demonstrate how the Top 20 business partners work united to transform lives and communities every day,” Dean said. “By working together, the Top 20 help ensure kids have access to a good education, families have a roof over their heads, and a safe place to call home.”

For more information on the Live UNITED Top 20 and the impact of the honorees, visit www.vsuw.org/top20.