The U-Haul Recruiting team volunteered its time Oct. 10 at André House, a Phoenix nonprofit that provides free hot meals, showers, laundry services and other resources to those in need.
As part of their dinner service obligations, Team Members prepared burritos, staged the dining area, served meals, and cleaned the dining area once guests had left. A total of 425 burrito meals were served to André House guests.
Local Impact
U-Haul International is headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., where every year the homelessness rate increases. It is a serious matter that is deeper than meets the eye.
Morgan Koske, U-Haul field corporate recruiter, noted: “Volunteering at André House has profoundly impacted my perspective on homelessness. It has opened my eyes to the challenges and struggles that homeless individuals face daily. I’ve learned that homelessness can happen to anyone, and it’s crucial to approach the issue with empathy and understanding.”
Volunteering with a charity partner is not just about providing a service to people who may be less fortunate. It is also about Team Members fostering connections with community neighbors, as well as one another.
U-Haul Recruiting had the opportunity to interact with guests, listen to their stories, and understand their challenges. These personal interactions are a reminder that everyone has a unique story, and that compassion goes a long way toward making a difference.
Toni Bevilacqua, U-Haul technical and corporate recruiter, explained that she met an elderly gentleman who volunteered at André House multiple times per week. “I noticed him standing by the dishwasher before we opened dinner,” Bevilacqua added. “He was standing there looking out at the empty dining room, holding a cross necklace in his hand. I went over and spoke to him. He spends 3-4 days a week here volunteering now that he is retired. He said, ‘It feels good to receive in life, but giving will always feel better.’”
Heart of Community Service
U-Haul promotes community support and encourages Team Members to pursue volunteer opportunities. The industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage regularly organizes group volunteer activities with its charity partners like André House to foster teamwork and collaboration among staff.
Koske said that she was motivated to volunteer at André House because she wanted to make a positive impact on the community and help those who are vulnerable. “It’s important to me to give back and support those who need it most,” she said. “Your life can change in the blink of an eye. It was my first time volunteering at André House since I’m based in Western Massachusetts, but I would love to go back the next time I am in the area.”
The local community benefits by volunteering at André House because without volunteers, the organization could not function, meaning hundreds of people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix would not have access to food, clothing or showers daily. Helping a village requires a village.
If U-Haul sounds like the kind of place you would like to work, please visit uhauljobs.com for career opportunities.
