Before opening Saint Vincent de Paul’s doors to the hungry, U-Haul volunteers joined hands in prayer. There was a mutual understanding that everyone was helping to make the lives of others just a little bit better for one day.

In that spirit, the main event began.

The line leading to the food trays wrapped around the perimeter of the mess hall and reached far outside the facility. Hundreds of men, women and children were served shredded pork, cranberry sauce, blueberry muffins, chocolate-covered doughnuts, popcorn and toast over the course of the next two hours.

“We’ve done this plenty of times before,” one proud U-Haul volunteer noted. “It’s great camaraderie getting to help other people, giving back to the community.”

U-Haul Team Members lend their hands in volunteer work to aid a worthy cause at least once a month. The organization selected each month rotates between U-Haul Company’s Phoenix-area charitable partners.

Last Saturday, The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul received our help.

Saint Vincent de Paul was founded in 1946 in Arizona. Its purpose: “feeding, clothing, housing and healing individuals and families in our community who have nowhere else to turn for help.” For 69 years, it has been a beacon of safety, a shelter with food, medical and dental care for those struggling to make it.

Upon arriving at the building, each volunteer was given latex gloves and a task to accomplish immediately. And just like that, those tasks were done. The speed with which the united effort took place was palpable, like watching a NASCAR crew change tires on a crowded pit road.

Within a few minutes tables were wiped clean, windows washed and floors mopped to a flawless shine. Pitchers of water were made available for the parched. Shortly thereafter, the doors opened and those in need were served a meal.

The day ended as it began, with a fast-paced cleaning effort and friendly laughs shared amongst the group.

To volunteer at Saint Vincent de Paul or to make a donation, please visit its website here.