A two-year capital fundraising campaign to raise $1.5 million is on tap to lead Extended Hands Food Bank into its next decade.

Executive director David W. Iverson said the objective would be to raise enough money to purchase the building in which the food bank, Max’s Closet and the Warehouse Ministry currently lease space.

The food bank has slightly more than two years remaining on its lease at 16548 E. Laser Drive, south of Shea Blvd. The facility has operated there for three years.

Fundraising could “secure the site and secure the future of what we’re doing here,” said Iverson.

Extended Hands Food Bank observes 10 years of providing food to the hungry Saturday, Oct. 4.

Previously, St. Dominic’s Food Bank operated by Dennis Contino served the community for 14 years.

Iverson said Realtor Jay Schlum, former mayor and now Chamber of Commerce chair, has agreed to head the fundraising committee.

Schlum’s expertise in negotiating real estate transactions would be beneficial in approaching the building’s owners.

The timetable is for Schlum to form a committee and begin brainstorming ideas by the beginning of 2015.

The monies would remain separate from the food bank’s operating budget, said Iverson.

Most food banks operating in the Greater Phoenix area own their buildings rather than lease space, explained Iverson.

If the food bank could purchase the industrial complex of 13 commercial units, unneeded space could be leased to interested tenants.

Extended Hands Food Bank occupies four units and could use an additional four, said Iverson.

“We need to move into a place where there’s security for the continued operation. If we ever hit a bad slump or a bad year, the food bank and everything would close,” he added.

Iverson said he explored purchasing the Palisades Business Center (former Goodwill Industries building) at Palisades Boulevard and La Montana Drive.

He learned that the move would be too expensive. About $200,000 was invested to create a commercial kitchen to prepare and serve fish dinners. On the first and third Fridays of the month, all-you-can-eat fish fry dinners are served for $9.99 as a fundraiser.

The Warehouse Ministry prepares a meal for food bank recipients every Saturday evening.

Extended Hands Food Bank feeds about 300 families monthly. This past August the number jumped to 324, the highest month in two years.

“Something is still having an impact on families,” said Iverson.

The food bank relies on service organizations, church groups and individuals to donate time, energy, food and monies.

“Fountain Hills and Rio Verde people have been super. They have been so generous,” Iverson said.

Demands for service are not limited to food. Individuals seek assistance in finding jobs and housing.

“We’re trying to be the social service entities that usually are government-sponsored and that Fountain Hills doesn’t have. We’re trying to be that resource,” said Iverson.

Max’s Closet

Lisa Hadsall and her son, Max, founded Max’s Closet to assist families and individuals acquire furniture, clothing and household accessories for little or no money.

An anonymous donor donated $1,000 a month for a year to underwrite the rent. The lease is expiring, and Iverson has not yet heard from the benefactor.

Max’s Closets contributes proceeds from sales to the food bank operation.

“From my standpoint, Lord willing, it’s going to say open,” said Iverson. “It’s helped so many people. It’s become a viable source for people who don’t have dollars at all. It’s unreal.

“If there is one word that comprises everything that we do, that’s hope -- keeping people’s heads above the situation by offering hope.”