Small acts of kindness can make a big difference, especially for children receiving a bed of their own.
Recently, Team Members at the U-Haul® Midtown Campus in Phoenix, the U-Haul Legal team, and the U-Haul Tech Center in Tempe came together to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace with a stuffed toy drive. More than 100 stuffed toys were donated in total, filling more than five extra-large U-Haul boxes with comforting companions for children served by the nonprofit organization.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is dedicated to making sure no child sleeps on the floor by building and delivering beds to children in need. As a valued U-Haul community partner, the organization provides children with safe, comfortable places to sleep. The donated stuffed toys add an extra touch of comfort to each delivered bed.
Bringing Comfort Beyond a Bed
The stuffed toy drive reflects the spirit of teamwork and generosity that U-Haul encourages through its community partnerships, supporting organizations that make a positive impact in the neighborhoods where Team Members live and work.
“U-Haul Legal often participates in the Company’s various water and food drives and volunteer opportunities to give back to the community,” the U-Haul Legal team shared. “When we learned about the Sleep in Heavenly Peace stuffed toy drive, we were excited for the opportunity to contribute new toys to children and support an organization dedicated to ensuring every child has a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
“It was very rewarding to see U-Haul Legal come together for a common cause. Even small contributions from Team Members added up to make a meaningful impact. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we were able to donate bags full of new friends for the children to snuggle with. It is gratifying to know that these toys will bring comfort and joy to children in need.”
A Small Gift That Makes a Big Difference
The donated stuffed toys will help support one of Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s busiest chapters. The Phoenix chapter operates 12 delivery hubs and, on average, delivers and installs beds for about 450 children each month. In 2026, the organization expects to provide beds for approximately 5,000 children, a remarkable milestone that reflects the generosity of the community.
“Including a stuffed toy is that extra special touch of kindness that means so much to the kids,” said Joe Genovese, president of the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Phoenix chapter. “Our beds are designed for children ages 3 to 17. So, some of the recipients are 17-year-old football players. Guess what, they’re getting a stuffie, too!
“This year, we will likely deliver beds to 5,000 kids. Not bad, considering our plan eight years ago was 100 a year. It shows the power and the caring of an amazing community like ours.”
Supporting Our Community Together
Community partnerships like Sleep in Heavenly Peace remind us that even small donations can have a lasting impact. Whether it’s volunteering time, donating needed items or supporting local nonprofit organizations, U-Haul Team Members continue to find meaningful ways to give back.
Thank you to everyone at the U-Haul Tower and U-Haul Tech Center who contributed to the stuffed toy drive. Your generosity will bring comfort, joy and a friendly companion to children receiving a bed of their own.
