It's Christmas in July again at the Valley's popular Organ Stop Pizza.
Christmas in July is the East Valley restaurant's annual food drive each summer that aims to help its neighbor, United Food Bank, stock its shelves since summer is the hardest time of the year for many individuals and families across the Valley and state. With children out of school, parents have the added pressure of providing more food and the extreme temperatures mean higher electric bills, forcing families to make tough decisions like choosing between paying those bills or paying for food.
With the help of its patrons, Organ Stop Pizza will be able to continue to help those in the community who struggle daily for food in the summer. Because of this popular food drive, meals will be delivered to senior citizens, fewer children will go to bed hungry, and many parents will worry less.
"When you drop off donations for this food drive in July you will be able to step out of the triple-digit temps into the spirit of the holidays," explained Linda Guthrie, manager of Organ Stop Pizza. "Our staff always looks forward to this special month where we deck the Mighty Wurlitzer and walls with a Christmas feel. So jingle all the way to Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa and help a worthy cause."
Support the United Food Bank and bring in at least two approved "non-perishable" food items, or make a $2 cash donation, now through July 31 and receive 10% off your entire kitchen bill that evening while enjoying The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, pizzas, pasta, salad and more.
Two lucky guests will win a free stocking of Organ Stop Pizza goodies each evening and Santa and Mrs. Claus will also visit every Saturday and Sunday in July.
Most needed items are:
- Cash donations.
- Peanut butter.
- Canned meat.
- Canned fruits and vegetables.
- Cereal - whole grain and low sugar.
- Soup, stews, chili and beans.
- Milk - canned/dried.
- Rice and pasta.
Note: no glass jars, baby food or opened food.
Organ Stop Pizza is the famous home of the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. They've been serving the Valley for more than 50 years and attract hundreds of thousands of patrons each year with theatrical performances, complete with dancing cat puppets, disco balls and bubbles. It's only one of two "pizza and pipes" concepts left in the U.S., songs range from classical music to Disney favorites to pop and rock hits.
Hours for Organ Stop Pizza are from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays, from 3:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays. Note: the kitchen closes 30 minutes before restaurant closing times.
Organ Stop Pizza is located in Mesa at 1149 E. Southern Ave., at the southwest corner of Southern and Stapley. For more information, visit organstoppizza.com.
For more information about United Food Bank, visit unitedfoodbank.org