U-Haul® is proud to recognize Sandra Sanchez, a premium processor with Oxford Life®, as its 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
The honor acknowledges her dedication to community service and commitment to helping others through volunteer work during the past calendar year.
Sanchez joined Oxford Life, part of the U-Haul Holding Co. family, in September 2021. She has been an active participant in U-Haul-sponsored volunteer opportunities, continuing a lifelong passion for giving back.
“Volunteering is a passion I’ve carried since childhood,” Sanchez said. “I was raised in a family that prioritized giving back. I’m grateful to work for a company that allows me to continue that tradition.”
Sanchez’s passion for service started at an early age. She credits much of her generosity to her parents’ commitment to helping others.
“Growing up, I watched them tirelessly give back through fundraisers, donations, and direct community support,” Sanchez said. “Their dedication taught me that nothing is more rewarding than helping others. I truly believe that kindness is a vital resource, and I am driven to do my part in strengthening our community.”
Memorable Experiences
Throughout 2025, Sanchez participated in volunteer events to benefit numerous U-Haul charity partners. Her efforts included serving meals at André House, making pizzas and supporting a water drive for St. Vincent de Paul and ABC15, and packing emergency food boxes at St. Mary’s Food Bank.
Among those experiences, André House has provided a handful of lessons and lasting memories for Sanchez.
“While volunteering at André House, I had the privilege of assisting with meal preparations alongside an older gentleman who was both visually impaired and recovering from broken ribs,” Sanchez recalled. “Despite his physical challenges, his commitment to serving others was unwavering. His selflessness served as a powerful reminder that our capacity to contribute to the community isn’t defined by our circumstances, but by our dedication to one another. That conversation deeply reinforced my own passion for service.”
Sanchez continued: “My first shift at André House was on the Dog Patio, assisting guests who preferred to eat outside with their pets. It was incredibly eye-opening to see the sheer number of people waiting for a hot meal. In that moment, my own personal worries felt small compared to the true hardships they faced. Yet, as the guests ate, they laughed, shared stories and listened to music. Seeing them leave satisfied — and seeing the joy they found in the simple act of a meal — was a powerful reminder to stay grateful for the simple things in life.”
Supporting Service
Sanchez credits her leadership and teammates for supporting her volunteer efforts and making it possible for her to stay involved in community service.
“They consistently go above and beyond to accommodate my schedule,” Sanchez noted. “They ensure I can pursue my passion for volunteering. Every time an event comes up, they work with me to make it happen.”
Receiving the Volunteer of the Year recognition is meaningful and humbling for Sanchez.
“I am deeply honored and filled with gratitude to receive the U-Haul Volunteer of the Year 2025 award,” Sanchez said. “While my motivation for volunteering has always been the work itself rather than recognition, receiving this news was an incredibly moving experience. To me, this award serves as a powerful reminder that we should never underestimate the impact of our actions.
“Entering 2025, my goal was simply to dedicate more time to our community. This recognition is a beautiful reflection of that commitment and the compassion I strive to bring to every project.”
Outside of volunteering, Sanchez enjoys hiking, gym workouts, dancing, traveling, trying new foods, reading, and spending time with family.
Sanchez encourages her fellow U-Haul Team Members who are considering volunteering to take the first step.
“My advice is to get involved,” Sanchez said. “Rather than waiting for the perfect time, reach out to (U-Haul Community Relations assistant) Miranda (Luna) to see what’s coming up next. Volunteering is incredibly rewarding, and I’m confident that once you experience it, you’ll be inspired to make it a regular part of your journey here at U-Haul.
“Looking ahead to 2026, I’m challenging myself to say yes to every opportunity that comes my way. My goal is to attend at least one U-Haul event every month, alongside my own personal volunteer work. To me, every hour spent volunteering is a reward in itself. This year, I’m especially excited about inviting my friends and family to join me. I’d love to inspire them to start their own volunteer journeys, too.”
To read past U-Haul Volunteer of the Year stories, click here.
