PHOENIX – Twelve U-Haul Team Members gathered at Makutu’s Island on Jan. 3 in Chandler, Ariz., to spend several fun-filled hours with youths from the Crisis Nursery Children’s Shelter.
It was the first of the monthly volunteer days U-Haul has scheduled in 2015 to benefit the Greater Phoenix community, which serves as home to U-Haul International, Inc.
Crisis Nursery, Inc. is the Valley’s longest-serving children’s shelter and has provided a safe haven for more than 20,000 children through child-centered and family-focused programs and services. All of Crisis Nursery’s programs support the mission of breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect.
The18 children partnered with U-Haul volunteers enjoyed the chance to let down their guard and utilize the indoor play area at Makutu’s Island. The children and adults took a trip into fantasyland as they explored the lush, tropical indoor “island” with towering trees, climbs, bungee, zip tracker, arcade and mysterious caves.
The centerpiece of Makutu’s Island was its indoor tree filled with tunnels, tubes, mole holes, fire poles and slides, offering ample adventure. Around the tree’s perimeter, the volunteers and children found animals carved within its extensive roots and a comical three-animal totem pole. Within the tree, a “banana slide” winded four levels and more than 35 feet from the top to the base.
After exploring the tree, the volunteers and children ventured toward one of the three adjoining play structures: the Blue Fantasy Tree, Pirates Cove and Palm Slide. Less rigorous than the old oak tree, these areas were perfect for the less-experienced island traveler and included tunnels, caves and a zip line.
Once play time ceased, the Crisis Nursery children, staff and U-Haul volunteers enjoyed a pizza party complete with stories from a joyous day. The interaction was heartfelt and the memories delightful.
U-Haul Company would like to say thank you to the volunteers who gave their time and made a difference in the life of a Crisis Nursery child. If you would like additional information about how U-Haul assists the communities in which we serve, visit us at: http://www.uhaul.com/About/Philanthropy.
Do you participate in any volunteer groups with your employer? Do you have any experiences you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!
