U-Haul® recently helped Kurt and Brenda Warner’s First Things First Foundation surprise two deserving Valley families through its “Homes for the Holidays” program.
With the volunteer contributions and financial support of caring organizations like U-Haul, the Warners’ initiative provides families with home furnishings and decorative services when moving into their Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona residences.
U-Haul sponsorship of the charity started by the NFL Hall of Famer and former Arizona Cardinals quarterback dates to 2008. Warner is a Valley resident and has offered these comforts to many hardworking single mothers and first-time homeowners across metro Phoenix, where U-Haul has been headquartered since 1967.
Fun Kind of Work
U-Haul Team Members shop for home goods, provide moving assistance, assemble furniture, stage rooms, and prepare homes for the families to enter on “reveal day.”
It was a first-time experience for many U-Haul volunteers in November, and the impact was immediate.
“I was given the task of helping decorate the rooms,” said Mary Ellen Mulac, a U-Haul Recruiting assistant. “Overall, I felt like it was a good experience. Transforming a room from four bare walls to a warm, livable space was my favorite part of the day.”
“This was my first time volunteering with Homes for the Holidays, and I would absolutely do it again,” U-Haul project coordinator Ashley Wise added. “Being able to participate in unpacking and decorating two homes with the decor was not only a fun experience, but it was rewarding. I left feeling grateful to have these opportunities to support our community. That’s what this is all about.”
A Picture of Joy
When the families saw their furnished homes for the first time, it was a moment U-Haul volunteers described as unforgettable.
“Being hands-on during the preparation and setup made seeing the end result that much more special, knowing I played a part in changing these people’s lives,” noted Sabrina McMurdy, U-Haul Social Media specialist. “My favorite part was definitely witnessing the reveal. It’s so uniquely beautiful to feel so happy for people you’ve never met.”
U-Haul is proud to support First Things First. To view past stories and photo galleries of home reveals with the Warners, click here: https://myuhaulstory.com/?s=kurt+warner.
Photo credit: Alexandra Renee Photography
