Our Story as Humanitarians
Being a Humanitarian means helping people who are suffering any time, any place or any where. Humanitarian work requires being responsible, conscious of the circumstances of other people’s lives, and helping them on the basis of need without discrimination. Humanity means that human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found, with particular attention to the most vulnerable.
Cactus Cupboard began as we saw a host of individuals in our communities of Ajo, Why and the Western Villages of the Tohono O’odham Nation that were “slipping through the cracks”, not receiving food and other basic necessities being distributed in our community. We knew we had to do better.
We have a large and unique population of seniors in our community, especially Veterans, many of whom do not have transport or a way to make it to collect weekly supplies.
Those living on the outskirts of the community, in small trailers or campers, without a stove to cook on or in some cases, running water, are so vulnerable and have so many other issues to deal with. Many come to our community in winter, especially Veterans, and live in their vehicles in the desert- no utilities, little food and quite often insufficient blankets for the cold nights.
We operate a Mobile distribution, seeking out individuals or families that need assistance and helping them however we can. We have donations of food, clothing, toiletries, blankets, heaters and air-conditioning, camping equipment, small household appliances, dog/cat food and much more.,
“To make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care”.
—
Joyce Millar
Founder, Humanitarian
&
Brian Peterson, Co-Director