Arizona Lottery Partners With Soles2Souls to Provide Vital Footwear and Heat Relief Support Across Arizona

Donations in Phoenix and Tucson helps protect vulnerable Arizonans from extreme summer conditions

PHOENIX (August 21, 2025) – The Arizona Lottery is stepping up for Arizonans in need this summer, partnering with Soles2Souls to provide essential footwear to vulnerable communities as part of the Arizona Department of Health Services’ (ADHS) Heat Relief Campaign.

The Arizona Lottery is contributing $5,000 to provide 493 pairs of shoes to individuals served by the Justa Center in Phoenix, a nonprofit that supports homeless seniors. BHHS Legacy Foundation has matched this contribution with an additional $5,000, doubling the impact and bringing the total number of shoes donated to 740 pairs. The donation will be distributed at a special event on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Justa Center.

In addition, the Arizona Lottery will provide 247 pairs of shoes to the City of Tucson for its Heat Relief Kit Packing event on Monday, August 25, in partnership with the Pima County Health Department. These kits, which include items such as water, cooling towels, and sunscreen, are distributed to those most vulnerable to Arizona’s extreme heat.

Both events are part of the broader ADHS Heat Relief Campaign, which raises awareness and shares life-saving resources through multiple community channels.

“At the Arizona Lottery, we believe our role extends beyond games and prizes,” said Alec Thomson, Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery. “We are committed to supporting the health and well-being of all Arizonans, especially those most affected by our state’s harsh summer conditions. Partnering with Soles2Souls, Justa Center, and Pima County Health Department allows us to make a direct impact where it’s needed most.”

“Soles2Souls is thrilled to be partnering with the Arizona Lottery for the second time to provide high-quality pairs of shoes to vulnerable communities all across Arizona. With the help of the Arizona Lottery and the BHHS Legacy Foundation’s match donation, we can provide vital footwear in the hottest months to those who need it most in Phoenix and Tucson.”

“BHHS Legacy Foundation is thrilled to join this collaborative effort along with Soles 2 Souls and the AZ Lottery, bringing relief and hope to our community’s most vulnerable.”

“Thank you to the Arizona Lottery and the BHHS Legacy Foundation for your donation. Responding to extreme heat requires long-term strategy and immediate interventions for individuals in need. We strive to ensure every Arizonan has access to what they need this summer. This includes promoting the new statewide heat website, HEAT.AZ.GOV, a one-stop shop for everyone with resources from cooling center locations to tips for your home,”  said Dr. Eugene Livar, Chief Heat Officer, Arizona Department of Health Services.

For more information about the Arizona Lottery’s community initiatives, visit ArizonaLottery.com/GivesBack.