As the holidays approach, share the joy of the season with our neighbors in need by joining me and Tempe Community Action Agency for a special Holiday Food and Giving Tree Drive. Donate non-perishable items such as canned meats, vegetables and fruit, peanut butter, meal-in-a-can soups and raviolis, boxed soups and cereals, oatmeal, rice, granola bars, pasta, mac and cheese, crackers and individually packaged items. Donate by Dec. 20 and feel good supporting our community.

Would you like to do more? By Dec. 6, drop off family games, card games, puzzles, puzzle books for all ages as well as holiday cookie kits. Donations will help brighten up the season.

Drop off donations at four city locations. Find them here.

Share this flier with your friends and neighbors! (PDF)

About Councilmember Berdetta Hodge

Berdetta Hodge has been a resident of the city of Tempe for over 40 years. She was raised in Tempe and graduated from Tempe public schools. From a young age, Berdetta sought to become a transformative leader in our city. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. She has been a lifelong contributor to community well-being through public service and a passion for community-building.

In 2022, Berdetta made history when she became the first African American female elected to the Tempe City Council. Six years prior, in 2016, Berdetta made Tempe history, becoming the first African American woman elected to public office in the City of Tempe by being elected to the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board. Throughout her tenure, Berdetta brings experience managing one of Arizona’s highest performing school districts. She has had the privilege of serving as both the President and Vice President of the governing board. In her role, she has stood as a champion for the needs of students, educators, staff, and working families. During her tenure on the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board, Berdetta has developed skills critical to public service. She takes pride in her ability to bring people together and to set goals and strategies for community success. 

Berdetta is no stranger to operating community institutions responsible to tens of thousands of Tempe residents. She has received accolades for her responsiveness and proactive approach on community relations. She also knows what it takes to work with the local business community to ensure that it also has a role making Tempe the best place to work, learn, and thrive in Arizona.
Berdetta enjoys strong working relationships with fellow municipal leaders, as well as county, state, and federal elected officials. 

Berdetta takes a great deal of pride in her two sons, Jevin and Jazin, who are both graduates of Tempe schools and lauded community leaders. In her free time, Berdetta volunteers with student groups in Tempe, such as the Compadre High School Teenage Pregnancy Program (TAPP), where she serves as a mentor and assists with community engagement efforts.

Berdetta attended Arizona State University.

 Boards, and Commissions

• Tempe Union High School District Governing Board Member
• Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Domestic Violence Council
• Commissioner, Arizona Commission of African American Affairs
• National League of Cities Human Development Committee
• Arizona School Board Association Black Caucus Board Member
• Vice President of the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center
• East Valley NAACP Leadership Team
• Save Our Schools Arizona Board Member and Advisor
• National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials
• Larry Thomas Youth Development Foundation Board Member
• Tempe Family YMCA Board Member
• Tempe St. Luke's Hospital Board Member
• Tempe Audit Committee
• Tempe Union High School District Teenage Pregnancy Program (TAPP)

Community Service

•  Tempe Woman's Club
• Kiwanis Club of Tempe, Member
• Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona
• Keep Tempe Beautiful
• Tempe Rotary Club