Child Abuse Prevention License Plate

The Child Abuse Prevention License Plate Program is The Arizona Republic's flagship community relations program started in 2000. Through the passage of a state legislative bill in 1999, specialty license plates with a pale blue background, children's handprints and the tagline "It shouldn't hurt to be a child" are available for purchase by the public.

The goal of this program is to raise much-needed funds for primary child abuse prevention programs throughout Arizona. Plates are sold for $25 each and The Arizona Republic Charities matches each contribution 50 cents on the dollar until the fund reaches $500,000. All proceeds will support primary child abuse prevention programs statewide. The first year's grant funds -- a total of $335,000 -- were distributed in June 2001 to 14 agencies. A whopping $700,600 was distributed in the second year to 16 agencies. We're well underway for another successful year in 2003, with grants being planned for distribution this June.

This program is another example of the tremendous impact The Republic can have on community issues when all of our resources are used. From championing the passage of the bill in editorials to promoting the program statewide, The Arizona Republic is bringing public awareness and funding to another critical community issue.

• Learn more about the program and how to order your own child abuse prevention license plate.
• Community programs funded through this effort.

Domestic Violence

The Arizona Republic is the preeminent community leader in the fight against domestic violence. Over the past six years, The Republic has contributed more than $2.8 million to shelters and programs dealing with domestic violence. Key executives serve in leadership capacities on key community initiatives such as Employers Against Domestic Violence and the Maricopa County Regional Domestic Violence Council as well.

In addition to this campaign, the company has developed a formal domestic violence in the workplace policy. Our human resource managers have been trained by the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence to identify domestic violence cases, offer appropriate assistance and respond accordingly.

Season for Sharing

Season for Sharing is The Republic and 12News' annual holiday fundraising campaign. Through an eight-week news, editorial, direct mail and ad campaign, readers and viewers are encouraged to donate to the Season for Sharing fund to help health and human service agencies in Arizona. Readers' donations are matched through Gannett Foundation 50 cents on the dollar until the fund reaches $800,000. The Republic and 12 News cover all administrative and fund-raising costs, so every penny donated, plus the matching dollars, goes directly to the community agencies.

In 2003 individuals and companies alike gave $2.17 million to help Arizonans in need. Those funds helped 132 agencies administer much needed services, from providing quality childcare for low-income families to shelter for abused children. From protecting women and children from domestic violence to providing educational opportunities for underserved youth, Season for Sharing donations have made a substantial difference in thousands of lives. Since inception in 1993, Season for Sharing has generated $26.3 million for our community.

In addition to creating community resources, the program increases awareness about social issues. Many of the agencies experience an influx of volunteers and donated goods during the campaign.

• Community programs funded through this effort.

Summer Reading Program

The Arizona Republic and The Arizona Diamondbacks have partnered with thirteen library systems countywide to present EXTRA! EXTRA! READ YOUR WAY TO THE BALLPARK! The program encourages kids to keep track of their summer reading and provides exciting prizes along the way.
• Learn more about the program and how to participate.

United Way

Republic employees have the opportunity to provide hope to many of the Valley's underprivileged with the yearly United Way campaign. The Republic sponsors a variety of events to help raise money for United Way programs. The Republic's 2002 employee campaign generated $604,023.

Contributions help people in need every day by providing:
• Affordable child care for lower income working parents.
• Tutoring programs that build self-esteem in young adults.
• Counseling for victims of abuse.
• Nutritious meals for the home-bound elderly.