U-Haul Team Members came together and packed over 2,700 emergency food boxes on March 1 at the St. Mary’s Food Bank warehouse in Phoenix.
The food boxes help provide nutritious options for families, children and seniors facing food insecurity across the Valley and other parts of Arizona.
U-Haul® International, headquartered in Midtown Phoenix since 1967, works to create and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with proven nonprofits like St. Mary’s.
Partnering with charities that help vulnerable populations meet their most basic human needs (food, clothing, shelter) also leads to the creation of numerous scheduled volunteer opportunities where U-Haul Team Members can choose to give back to their community.
St. Mary’s Food Bank provides food to people and communities in need through its efficient operations, with every $1 donation equating to five meals for those in need. St. Mary’s partners include food pantries, homeless shelters, meal centers, domestic violence shelters, after-school programs for at-risk children, and low-income senior living centers.
Proud to Give Back
“I am always so appreciative of the volunteer opportunities that U-Haul offers,” said Kate Fulkerson, project coordinator for the U-Haul Rates and Distribution team. “I ‘ve been volunteering since I started with U-Haul over 30 years ago. Packing boxes at St. Mary’s Food Bank has become my favorite event because I know that we are helping people who are in need of a little extra food to stretch their budget.
“St. Mary’s treats all its clients with dignity, which is important to me. Being on the line packing food with other Team Members is fun. We often get the opportunity to work with others who come to donate their time for this great cause. I would encourage anyone to come out the next time U-Haul calls for volunteers for St. Mary’s Food Bank.”
Mary Ellen Mulac, U-Haul Recruiting administrative assistant, couldn’t resist when her husband and fellow Team Member, Carl, suggested they volunteer on a Saturday morning.
“You get a great feeling when you are giving back to the community,” Mulac said. “St. Mary’s is such an esteemed organization and so well run. We felt productive and appreciated the entire time we were there. Carl and I left with a sense of accomplishment and pride, knowing that in some small way, our time was well spent helping others in a time of need.”
Positive Feedback
Jason Smith, data engineer for the U-Box team, noted it was his first time volunteering with the U-Haul “regulars.”
“I have always appreciated U-Haul supporting those in need in Arizona,” Smith said. “I was looking for an opportunity where I could serve with my 13-year-old son. I’m sure we will be signing up for the next (opportunity).”
“Volunteering at St. Mary’s Food Bank has always been something that I’ve thought about, and this year I was determined to make it actually happen,” added Shelly Parsons, invoice processing clerk for U-Haul Accounts Payable. “Giving up two hours of a Saturday was a no-brainer. When I told my son about our experience, he volunteered to join us next time. I wish I had been doing this all along.”
Read about past volunteer days at St. Mary’s Food Bank by clicking here.
