Half a million bottles of water will help to stave off extreme heat for Mesa residents this summer with the 11th annual Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign underway.

Since the program launched in 2007, over 2.7 million bottles have been contributed to individuals in need, according to a press release. Community members have proven generous and officials are optimistic about reaching this year’s goal of 500,000 bottles. United Food Bank delivers donated water throughout the valley via several nonprofit groups.

“It’s no secret that as the temperature rises in Arizona, the need for water for the less fortunate rises along with it,” Mesa Councilmember Kevin Thompson, a United Food Bank board member, said in the release. “This campaign has become a literal life saver for those individuals, and I know that … our families, friends and the business community will step up and once again show their generosity through the donation of water bottles.”

Summertime temperatures in Arizona pose real hazards to unsheltered individuals. Mesa Mayor John Giles called the campaign “a life saver for the less fortunate during the hot summer months,” in the release, and Mesa’s fire and medical deputy chief, Forrest Smith, who also serves as public information officer, warned that without proper hydration, locals can suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

The Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign will collect water through Sept. 15.