Twas New Years Day in the ‘Copa and all through the town not a creature was stirring, not even the road crews were slowing things down.

The fliers were hung in the Chamber with care in hopes new residence soon will be here. I sit at home all cozy in my robe contemplating with excitement the New Year ahead!

What new events will we hold? What new members will appear? Programs? Partnerships? Too much in my head.

With new city Government soon to emerge what new plans will unfold, a new park or pool. Now that would be cool! On the economic development front they will be on the hunt. New retail & jobs will be in the forefront.

So as these thoughts bounce from my head to my socks there is one more thing to be said…Maricopa Rocks!

Happy New Year!!!

During this time of year when so many of us get caught up in the hectic rush of Christmas and our kids get a bad case of the “give me’s” and “I wants” the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce has been blessed to be able to assist the local food bank and community outreach organization, F.O.R. Maricopa (Food, Outreach, Resources) in their efforts to feed and provide toys for 35 families. Those families represent about 100 children. Maricopa’s families, your neighbors. Think about it…

It has warmed my heart watching my son help sort gifts and use his own money to purchase things to help these children. This experience has awakened in him what I feel is the true spirit of “Christmas” and “Community” giving. My husband, bless him, will play Santa on Christmas Eve to hand out toys while Wendy and her crew of volunteers hand out the food boxes.

If it was not for the tireless efforts of Wendy Webb and her small group of volunteers many of these families would go without food this Christmas. But it is not just Christmas day that Wendy feeds these families. Here in Maricopa this is an on going problem that causes the Food Bank’s phone to ring continuously with families asking for aid. We need to applaud and support these efforts. Here is a thought, each week when you go to the supermarket purchase something extra like box of cereal, oatmeal, jar of peanut butter, tomato sauce, you name it she needs it, always!

The Chamber of Commerce is a community drop off spot for any food donations you want to make. Let us come together and help feed our fellow Maricopans not just today but for all of 2008 and beyond.