I’ve known Nicolee Thompson and partnered with Harvest Compassion Center (HCC) for a number of years now, but until recently never took the time to visit any of their three centers around the Valley. Walking through the North Phoenix location truly opened my eyes to all the good that is done by this wonderful nonprofit that puts into action the phrase “neighbors helping neighbors”!
HCC’s mission is to provide food and clothing in a hope-filled environment to the underserved in the greater Phoenix area. Formed by Bob & Gaye Swayback as a tribute to their son, Mitchell, who died tragically in a drowning accident at the young age of 23, HCC honors his memory through service to others. Nicolee, Mitch’s sister, serves as CEO, and her husband, Paul, directs the Maryvale center, rounding out the family unit.
Passion for the cause, commitment to community members in need, and a heart bursting with love for people – these are the images I take away from every interaction with Nicolee. Utilizing a small staff supported by an army of volunteers, in 2020 alone the three centers served almost 9,000 families with food, clothing, hygiene items, diapers and more. Lori, the North Phoenix manager, says that her favorite part of her job is “serving others in our community, imparting love, compassion and care.”
As with most dedicated nonprofit leaders, Nicolee shared with me that she has challenges getting a good night’s sleep. “My body is tired, but my mind revs up at night, and doesn’t want to shut off.” Definitely a challenge when you are all-in, focused on the mission 24/7. Nicolee has to face issues she could never have foreseen – a truck fire in the parking lot of a center, a trip and fall by a client that led to seizures were among a myriad of recent items. Combined with the on-going issues inherent in running a million dollar organization – where can we find the best price for shampoo, who will hold a diaper drive to restock our shelves, how can we continue to utilize volunteers safely in these continuing days of the COVID-19 crisis? Through it all, Nicolee has a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye.
She knows that Mitch must be smiling down from above. The centers are filled with families receiving love and compassion, along with the basic necessities they need for daily life, now more than ever. The staff and volunteers are focused on caring about the families who enter the doors and helping in any way they can to ease the burdens they are experiencing at this moment in time.
HCC is such an inspirational story. The family’s pain, hurt and loss has been dealt with by providing hope for others. HCC’s three centers rely on community support to continue their mission. New or gently used clothing, along with personal care items, diapers and nonperishable food is always in need, even more so today as families continue to deal with the stresses brought about by the pandemic. As a Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO#20157) Arizona taxpayers can receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their 2021 individual tax return. You can put your tax dollars to work to buy food for a hungry family.
I give thanks to Nicolee and her family, along with all of the HCC staff members, volunteers and supporters who haven’t lost hope during the pandemic, but rather provided hope, compassion and essential items to those who most needed it.
Dan Shufelt, the former CEO of Arizona Helping Hands, has been involved in the charity world as an executive and grant maker for many years.
If you enjoy learning of caring people and the amazing work they devote their energy to advance, be sure to sign up for Dan’s blog (see sign-up form below).
Dan-Great article on HCC!!!! You’re doing great work by supporting and promoting nonprofits you believe in!