Caring Hearts & Hands Sponsoring YOTO Back-to-School Challenge

Connie Vaughan

Caring Hearts & Hands of Quail Creek (CHHQC) is once again supporting YOTO’s (Youth On Their Own) Back-to-School Challenge with restocking of its Student Mini Mall.

What is Youth On Their Own?

Youth On Their Own supports the high school graduation and continued success of youth experiencing homelessness in Pima County to stay in school.

How can Quail Creek residents help?

CHHQC are asking for school supplies, hygiene products, and nonperishable food donations. Donations can be dropped off from Aug. 18 through Sept. 30 at the following homes:

SueAnn, 531 N. Keyes Road

Deb Wade, 2501 E. Ensign Way

Pam Rodgers, 2640 E. Sawyer Road

Barbara Fiallos, 2080 E. Thunderchief Drive

Jane Reichert, 2085 E. Cypress Canyon Drive

Judie Fry, 1427 E. Blue Granite Drive

Mini Mall Needs:

School supplies

Heavy-duty backpacks

Index cards

3-Ring binders/notebooks/pocket folders

Calculators/mechanical pencils

Hygiene/Household:

Full-size shampoo/conditioner

Full-size body wash

Dish/hand soap

Shaving cream

New bath towels

Food:

Pasta sauce/pasta noodles

Refried beans

Ramen

Mac ‘n’ cheese

One-pound bags of rice

What is the AZ Charitable Tax Credit?

YOTO qualifies for the Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) tax credit. YOTO’s QCO code is 20365. In the State of Arizona, up to $495 per person or $987 per couple filing jointly (for tax year 2025) can be directly deducted, dollar-for-dollar, from the taxes you owe the State of Arizona.

Make sure you save your receipts and identify “YOTO Tax Credit” on them for your 2025 taxes.