When it’s 115 degrees outside, water isn’t a luxury — it’s survival. That’s the mindset nearly a dozen U-Haul Team Members brought with them to the ABC15 studios on June 18, spending a portion of their day working the phones for the annual St. Vincent de Paul Water Drive.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Team U-Haul staffed the phone bank to benefit the Phoenix-based nonprofit, which provides food, shelter, clothing and medical care to at-risk individuals and families across the Valley. This time of year, one of the most critical needs is water, particularly for the homeless population.
U-Haul contributed $5,000 to the cause. Presenting the check on ABC15 were three U-Haul representatives from Tempe: Raymond Williams (GM of U-Haul Moving and Storage of Apache Blvd.); Jazmin Flores (GM of U-Haul Moving and Storage at Tempe Town Lake); and Zach Garcia (GM in training for U-Haul Co. of Eastern Arizona).
“It’s so hot outside, and water is a basic need,” said Dillon Rosenblatt, U-Haul Media and Public Relations Senior Coordinator. “If we’re able to provide that to people who need it, then we’re doing something that really matters for the people who live here.”
By the time the phone bank wrapped, the two-hour effort had raised $5,991 for the water drive. U-Haul provides the kind of partnership SVdP counts on.
“U-Haul has been volunteering with us for many years during the water drive, but also throughout the year in our kitchens and food banks, as well as during our turkey drive,” said Emily Radawec, Director of Drives and Partnerships for St. Vincent de Paul. “U-Haul has been supporting us for years.”
A Phoenix-headquartered company since 1967, U-Haul International has made the water drive an annual tradition. With Arizona’s hottest months still ahead, that commitment to community is exactly why showing up mattered.
The SVdP water truck will deliver bottles all throughout the Valley, including neighboring cities like Tempe, which prompts U-Haul corporate and field support of the partnership.
Donations to help provide life-saving hydration to those in need can be made by visiting stvincentdepaul.net/give/abc15-water-drive.
