Better Bucks program designed to help ease Prescott Valley panhandling concerns

The Prescott Valley Police Department has initiated a program designed to allow residents to better help those in need. (Courtesy)

The Prescott Valley Police Department has initiated a program designed to allow residents to better help those in need. (Courtesy)

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Flagstaff’s Better Bucks.

The Prescott Valley Police Department has initiated a program designed to allow residents to better help those in need.

Five years ago, the Flagstaff Police Department partnered with the Shadows Foundation to develop the Better Bucks Program to address a panhandling problem.

Better Bucks has proven to be a better way of giving to those in need because unlike cash, Better Bucks can be redeemed only for food and important living essentials. Generous residents do not have to worry that their donations may be used for unintended purposes such as tobacco or alcohol.

In 2017, PVPD recognized the success of the Flagstaff program and partnered with Flagstaff Police, the Shadows Foundation and other area supporters to bring the Better Bucks Program to this area.

Starting on Dec. 5, Better Bucks are available for purchase at the Prescott Valley Police Department for $6 per voucher book, and starting Wednesday, Dec. 12, they can be purchased at Step One Coffee House in Prescott Valley.

The money used to purchase Better Bucks vouchers remains in the community; the vouchers can be used only to purchase living essentials at the Walmart on Glassford Hill Road in Prescott Valley and Stepping Stones in Prescott Valley.

The Prescott Valley Police Department, Flagstaff Police Department, and the Shadows Foundation would like to thank their partners: Sun Valley Tire and Automotive, Little Dealer Little Prices, Walmart, Stepping Stones, Great Circle Media, The Center for Physical Excellence, Hensley Beverage Company and Findlay Toyota of Prescott. Their support is appreciated in bringing the Better Bucks Program to the area.

For more information about Better Bucks visit the Shadows Foundation website at shadowsfoundation.org/betterbucks or contact Rachel Montague at the Prescott Valley Police Department at 928-772-5149.


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