PHX Perspective

More Employees Assist Their Community

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is filled with employees who not only work around the clock to make the Phoenix Airport a great place to visit; they also spend much of their free time serving the surrounding community. We’d like to introduce you to a few more employees who show exceptional commitment to community organizations by volunteering and making personal financial contributions.

Chad Makovsky, who runs Sky Harbor’s Operations division, says that he donates for those that cannot speak up for themselves. “My wife and I contribute to the Arizona Humane Society (AHS),” Makovsky said. “We have three dogs and a cat. Their unconditional love astounds me, and I think we all could learn something from them. We started to contribute to AHS when we heard stories of the rampant animal neglect and cruelty cases in the Valley. I find it hard to believe humans have the capacity to intentionally cause harm animals who look to them for survival.”

Other employees support a cause because of personal reasons. Andrea Sandoval of the Community Noise Reduction Program (CNRP) donates to the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona. “My niece was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2004,” she said. “It has been traumatic for our family and we’ve almost lost her a couple of times. After much success with St. Joseph’s Hospital Epilepsy Center, she is now 21, attending college full-time (something she has not been able to do for two years) and working part-time. The resources available at the Epilepsy Foundation have assisted my family in making sure she is getting the best care possible and made it possible for her to lead a normal life.”

LaVonne Morris from Administration gives to a program here at Sky Harbor, the Sky Harbor Traveler’s Aid Program. This program helps those travelers who find themselves in emergency situations with nowhere else to turn. They receive help in a variety of ways such as a meal, sleeping arrangements, a bus ticket, and comforting support.

The 2009 Community Service Fund Drive, which raises money for local organizations who work with the Valley of the Sun United Way, officially kicks off Sept. 16, 2009. All city of Phoenix employees have an opportunity to contribute to CSFD through fundraising events and financial contributions. In the photo to the right, Aviation employees put on an event to raise funds for the CSFD.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is owned and operated by the city of Phoenix. City Aviation department employees not only work hard to make Phoenix a great place to visit, but to improve the quality of life for those who live here.

Stay tuned for more stories of employee involvement in the community.