In Mesa, Christmas arrives early this year. But it’s not just whimsy, for the whole month of July, Organ Stop Pizza will host its annual Christmas in July food drive benefiting the United Food Bank.
The idea is playful, but the purpose is serious. For Organ Stop Pizza, Christmas in July has become a way to support a neighborhood nonprofit serving families, children, and seniors during one of the hardest stretches of the year.
Get Festive and Give Back
Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa goes all out for Christmas in July. The holiday makeover includes a full display of Christmas decorations, seasonal music straight from the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, weekend visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and nightly giveaways for two guests, who will each receive a stocking filled with Organ Stop Pizza goodies.
“We feel that it is important to help give back to our community in ways that we can,” said Linda Guthrie, assistant manager of Organ Stop Pizza. “United Food Bank is located in our neighborhood and is helping families right next door. It is important to us to be able to support them as they support our community.”
All you have to do is show up and give a little. Guests who bring at least three approved, nonperishable food items, or make a $3 cash donation, will receive 10% off their pre-tax kitchen total that evening.
Why Summer Food Support Matters
Food drives tend to bring Thanksgiving and December holidays to mind, but hunger does not follow a holiday calendar. For many Arizona families and seniors, the need continues through the hottest months of the year.
“Food insecurity is ongoing,” Guthrie said. “Summer can be especially difficult as kids are out of school and temperatures rise, causing increased utility costs. It’s harder for families and seniors to make ends meet across the board.”
United Food Bank CEO Jason Reed said the partnership comes as demand continues to grow.
“We are incredibly thankful for the team at Organ Stop Pizza and their unwavering support of United Food Bank year after year,” Reed said. “Their commitment comes at a time when the need has grown immensely. This year, more Arizonans are facing food insecurity, and partnerships like this make it possible for us to keep pace with the rising demand and continue serving our community with dignity and care.”
The Holiday Magic Behind the Restaurant
Inside Organ Stop Pizza, the food drive gets the full holiday treatment. Guthrie said guests can expect snowflakes, garlands, Christmas trees, and plenty of Christmas music.
“Honestly, when I see the Christmas decorations come out, I always get a little giddy,” Guthrie said. “Christmas in July can keep us on our toes with an increased business level, but it’s magical.”
That feeling fits the place. Organ Stop Pizza has been serving the Valley since 1972 and is home to the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, a 1927 instrument with over 6,000 pipes that acts as a full orchestra. Each evening, organists perform everything from classical music and show tunes to pop favorites, with theatrical touches that turn dinner into a spectacle.
“We are not your typical dining establishment; we are dinner and a show,” Guthrie said. “We have highly talented organists that perform every evening on our Mighty Wurlitzer organ. Not only can you hear beautiful classical works that you often associate with an organ, you will also hear show tunes and popular music, as we like to say, ‘from Bach to Rock.’”
Dining Out at Organ Stop Pizza
Organ Stop Pizza is not subtle, which is part of the charm. Dancing cat puppets, disco balls, bubbles, flashing lights, and floor-rattling pipes all make appearances, creating the kind of full-sensory dinner experience that feels wonderfully specific to Mesa.
The menu keeps things classic and family-friendly with build-your-own pizzas, gluten-free pizza, specialty pizzas, pastas, appetizers, sandwiches, a salad bar, and desserts. Look for specialty pies such as The Combination, Hawaiian, P.S.M., Spicy Italian, and Vegetarian. On the pasta side, try the Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce, Spaghetti with Meatballs, and Lasagna.
Guests can also round out the table with Mozzarella Sticks, Fried Zucchini, Fried Mushrooms, Onion Rings, Garlic Bread with Cheese, or premium ice cream served in cones and as a sundae or float. While diners get the same great food and eclectic vibes all year round, adding in the donation box and Christmas cheer just adds to the uniqueness of the venue.
“One of my favorite parts of Christmas in July is when I get to take food orders and watch as parents have their kids put the cash donations in our donation box,” Guthrie recalled. “Some of the parents take just a moment to tell their kids about what they’re doing and why it’s important to help someone else who doesn’t have as much as they do. Those brief exchanges always fill me with joy.”
How to Donate
Guests can support the drive with cash or shelf-stable food items. Most-needed items include peanut butter, canned meat, canned fruit and vegetables, whole-grain low-sugar cereal, soup, stews, chili, beans, canned or dried milk, rice, and pasta. Organizers ask that guests do not bring glass jars, baby food, or opened food.
Organ Stop Pizza is open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 8:30 p.m., Friday 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 3:30 to 9 p.m., and Sunday 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. 1149 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, organstoppizza.com
