Latasha Ross Named 2017 U-Haul Volunteer of the Year

Every year a Team Member is designated as the U-Haul Volunteer of the Year. The award goes to the person who volunteered the greatest amount of hours, supported the most charity partners and took a leadership role while bettering the community.

U-Box field support specialist Latasha Ross earned that honor for 2017. She was presented her award on Tuesday.

U-Haul International, headquartered in Phoenix, has a core philanthropic mission of helping people meet their most basic human needs: food, clothing and shelter. The industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage partners with like-minded organizations to accomplish this. U-Haul also strives to honor veterans and assist veteran causes. The Company offers volunteer events to Team Members around the Valley on a recurring basis.

Ross started her U-Haul career in 2012 as a remote sales agent for the U-Box department. She was soon promoted to senior agent and held that title for three years before taking on her current role.

2017 U-Haul Volunteer of the Year Latasha Ross

Ross enjoys assisting her fellow Team Members in providing the best U-Box experience possible to U-Haul customers. And though Ross is fully committed to her role with U-Box, her true passion is her volunteer work.

She reflected that passion in a recent Q&A session.

Ross Aims to Serve

How long have you been a volunteer with Team U-Haul?

Ross: I have volunteered for three years now, but I’ve participated more frequently within the last two years.

Were you surprised to hear your name called as the 2017 U-Haul Volunteer of the Year?

Ross: Yes! Even though I volunteer often, I still felt like I hadn’t done enough. There are always more people to help.

You volunteered 60 hours with Team U-Haul in 2017. What motivates you to give of your time?

Ross: Volunteering brings me happiness. Knowing that I can do something for someone else gives me peace. The experiences make me more grateful for all that I have.

Do you have a favorite volunteer experience?

Ross: I’ve had many great experiences, but in this moment, helping with the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation (Homes for the Holidays event) is my favorite. We get to shop and decorate a home for a family that otherwise would have no furniture or decor.

What about the Homes for the Holidays event is so impactful to you?

Ross: Too often we forget to be grateful for what we have. We take for granted the beds we sleep on and the picture frames filled with photos of loved ones. Through this experience, I helped a deserving family return to a space filled with everything they needed and wanted. These families got more than a house. They got a home.

Lastly, what would your advice be for others thinking of volunteering?

Ross: Get involved because it makes a huge positive difference in the world. Even when you feel like there is so much going on around you, make it a point to stop and give your time to help someone else. Volunteering offers hope.

Congratulations, Latasha!