Several U-Haul® Team Members volunteered on a Friday evening in June at nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, preparing more than 100 fresh pizzas for dinner guests served by the organization.
From stretching dough to adding sauce, cheese and pepperoni, Team U-Haul worked together through every step of the pizza-making process. By the end of the volunteer shift, 100-plus pies were ready to bake so community members in need would have a warm, freshly made meal.
Supporting organizations like SVdP reflects an ongoing U-Haul commitment to strengthening the communities where Team Members live and work. U-Haul International has been headquartered in Phoenix since 1967 and employs nearly 2,000 Team Members at the U-Haul Tower in Midtown, along with more than 3,700 people across Arizona.
Opportunities like “Pizza Volunteer Day” provide a meaningful way to serve our neighbors in need while supporting an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families facing food insecurity and other challenges.
A Hands-On Effort
The volunteer experience was truly hands-on. Team Members rolled out fresh dough, spread sauce and carefully added toppings before the pizzas were baked. Once they came out of the oven, volunteers helped cut the pizzas and prepare them to be served to SVdP guests.
Working side by side throughout the evening, Team U-Haul created an efficient assembly line and demonstrated how collaboration and service can make a meaningful impact.
“I’ve volunteered at several St. Vincent de Paul events, but this was my first time at Pizza Night,” said Marta Quiban, A&M Account Executive at U-Haul. “It was great working alongside my A&M teammates to make pizzas from start to finish. Events like this are important because they give back to the community, help people in need and allow us to make a difference together.”
Making a Positive Impact
For many volunteers, it was a chance to experience a new way of serving the community while building connections with fellow Team Members.
“This was my first time volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul,” said Ignacio Benavente, A&M Lead for Billing Systems at U-Haul. “I helped make pizzas with the other volunteers. My favorite part was collaborating with others to help support the community. I think it is important to volunteer as a way to give back. We never know what situation a neighbor, friend or coworker may be facing, and donating our time can make a meaningful difference in helping others.
“It was rewarding to see so many people come together for a common purpose and make a positive impact on the community, and I would absolutely do it again.”
Whether preparing meals, packing food or supporting local nonprofit organizations in other ways, U-Haul encourages its Team Members to give back through volunteer opportunities that make a lasting difference.
