Seven U-Haul® volunteers shared a portion of their day on April 23 preparing food and then serving dinner to the at-risk and homeless community just south of downtown Phoenix at Andre House.
U-Haul partners with many local nonprofits like Andre House, a highly respected and faith-based operation, to provide opportunities for Team Members to give back and assist their Arizona neighbors in need. U-Haul International has been headquartered in Midtown Phoenix since 1967.
“I’m constantly inspired by the incredible turnout from the U-Haul family at Andre House,” said 2025 U-Haul Volunteer of the Year Sandra Sanchez, a premium processor with Oxford Life®, a subsidiary of U-Haul Holding Co.
“It is a genuine joy to volunteer with such wonderful people for such a great cause.”
Team U-Haul arrived on Andre House’s campus in the late afternoon, prepped for kitchen work, and then began chopping watermelons, dicing peppers, and folding tortillas for a Mexican-themed meal. The menu also included rice, beans, mango, salsa and pudding.
Following food prep, volunteers were given the option to take part in an evening prayer service and Bible reading.
When it came time to open the doors to hundreds of hungry neighbors, Team U-Haul was poised on the serving line, scooping requested foods onto trays and greeting diners with warm smiles and kind words.
Beyond dinner service, Andre House also offers clothing, laundry service, hygiene kits and blankets, showers, and other services. Learn more here: https://andrehouse.org/what-we-do/.
“It’s humbling to see so many people, some clearly in desparate situations, needing to fill their stomachs and then returning to the line asking for more,” stated Jeff Lockridge, U-Haul Manager of Media and Public Relations. “It’s an important reminder to thank God for the blessings we have, and to help those less fortunate whenever we’re able.
“I was extremely impressed with the Andre House staff, especially those directing our volunteers. There was a lot of love and care shown. Team U-Haul stepped up as always and embodied what we stand for as a company. Our volunteers are second to none.”
Upon conclusion of the dinner service, there was plenty of cleaning to be done. Floors were mopped, tables were wiped down, dishes were washed and other areas sanitized — all so the process could be repeated the next day.
Read about more U-Haul volunteer events at https://myuhaulstory.com/?s=volunteer.
