It will be a Merry Christmas for thousands of children in need across the Valley thanks to Operation Santa Claus. And U-Haul played a big part in making it happen.
Donated U-Haul trucks filled with gifts for Valley children helped in the success of the 14th annual charity drive, created by Sanderson Ford and ABC 15.
“U-Haul participation is vital to the success of Operation Santa Claus,” said Max Sirstins of Sanderson Ford. “U-Haul delivers truckloads to our four local charities every year.”
Donations of unwrapped toys, children’s clothes, packaged food and monetary gifts were collected Nov. 19-Dec. 21 throughout the Valley. U-Haul trucks then helped in the delivery of all the goodies in time for Christmas. The donations raised this year exceeded $1.3 million in total value.
U-Haul is proud to donate its trucks for this holiday drive, and has been doing so since the program began.
“We now help deliver Christmas to thousands of families every year,” Sirstins added. “We’re helping military families through Military Assistance Mission, we’re helping families with additional medical bills through Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix and SARRC (Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center) as well as providing food for several thousand people through St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance.”
With each accepted Operation Santa Claus donation, the donor got an opportunity to be among the 15 finalists with a chance to win the choice of a 2015 FORD F150 Supercrew or 2015 LINCOLN MKZ Hybrid. It is Sanderson Ford’s way of saying thanks for making Christmas a happy time for thousands of families across the valley.
“It’s my favorite time of the year,” said David Kimmerle, President of Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln. “I love how our community comes together to help and support less fortunate families. It keeps getting bigger and better every year.”
U-Haul is involved with numerous charitable organizations and acts in Phoenix and across the U.S. and Canada. Click here to read about U-Haul Team Members gifting 600 Thanksgiving turkeys to St. Mary’s Food Bank.
