Each summer when Phoenix temperatures begin to eclipse triple figures, local nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul hands out over 6,500 bottles of water every day to protect the Valley’s most vulnerable population against the life-threatening dangers of dehydration.
To sustain this effort, SVdP requires a lot of support from the local community. That’s where longtime charity partners like U-Haul step up to the plate.
U-Haul, which has been headquartered in Phoenix since 1967, teams with St. Vincent de Paul, ABC15 Arizona, Arizona 61 (KASW) and others each year to raise donations for the annual ABC15 Water Drive.
Big Numbers
This summer, U-Haul donated more than 12,000 bottles of water from Team Members; offered a $5,000 check toward the water drive as part of its annual giving campaign; and provided volunteers for ABC15’s phone bank during a live broadcast, when donations are raised from viewers throughout the Valley. U-Haul volunteers collected $3,000 over the phone from generous neighbors.
The funds donated and raised will enable SVdP to supply the homeless with 54,000 bottles of water.
“We are really grateful for U-Haul Company’s support at this water drive and all they do for us year-round to provide for those in need,” stated Mary Chou-Thompson, SVdP Chief Marketing Officer.
Prior to the June 19 phone bank, Team Members organized water drives at U-Haul headquarters and the U-Haul Technical Center in Tempe. The donations led to more than six pallets of water for SVdP.
The U-Haul Legal team generously donated five pallets of water.
“I love our Company, I love what we do, and the water drive for St. Vincent de Paul is something great to be part of,” said Dave McGee, Operations Manager for U-Haul Legal.
Team Effort
The U-Haul Operations and Building Management team was essential to the Midtown Campus donation effort. Marica Chiariello’s group provided a canopy for shade and delivered the water from U-Haul Team Members.
“We’re grateful for all the water U-Haul brought to us this summer,” said Emily Radawec, SVdP Director of Community Drives & Partnerships. “It’s more than what a lot of companies can physically provide.”
Added Yasmine Esparza, U-Haul Media & Public Relations Specialist: “This was my first water drive to be part of and it was a lovely experience. U-Haul is doing wonderful work in the community, and this just shows the Company’s dedication to meeting the needs of Arizona residents.”
Want to follow our lead and get involved with SVdP? There are many ways to do so, including financial giving and volunteering your time. Learn more by visiting stvincentdepaul.net.
