It’s the season of giving and for Valley real estate entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Pollack, there is no better time of the year to make a difference and give hope.
This holiday season Pollack partnered with A New Leaf, based in Mesa, by making a $20,000 donation to give 20 Valley families a beautiful and life-changing gift.
On Dec. 20, Pollack treated each of the families to a $1,000 shopping spree at Target, where the families used the money to buy groceries, clothing, toys or anything they might want or need for the holidays.
“Our holiday shopping spree is something we started many years ago as a way to reach out into the community and make a significant impact on people who are struggling and often working several jobs but just can’t make ends meet,” said Michael Pollack. “We like to partner with a new charity every year and they help us find these individuals and families who don’t have the means to buy the essential items and especially Christmas presents for their loved ones.”
A New Leaf has been helping families and changing lives since 1971. The Mesa-based organization believes communities are made stronger when families are safe, have secure homes, can provide for themselves and their children, and are ultimately given a chance to make a brighter future for themselves. A New Leaf has seven core service areas and those include -- Housing & Shelter, Sexual & Domestic Violence, Foster Care, Health & Wellness, Financial Empowerment Services, Family Support Services and Educational Services. In 2022 A New Leaf served over 24,000 individuals, that’s enough to fill the world’s largest tennis stadium.
"A New Leaf is beyond grateful for the incredible generosity of Mr. Pollack,” said A New Leaf CEO Michael Hughes. “This opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of our families, thus making this holiday season one to truly remember. Michael’s kindness and commitment to our local community is legendary and we are thrilled for such a special gift to A New Leaf and to the families in our care."
