Extra Space Storage is excited to announce Anastasia Krecklow as the Q2 2024 recipient of the Team Extra Space Volunteers award. As a District Team Lead in Mesa, AZ, Anastasia has dedicated herself to making significant contributions to her community through her volunteer work with Central Park Angels. This non-profit organization, led by women, focuses on engaging local communities, businesses, and individuals to support relief efforts in Ukraine, reflecting the values of compassion and collaboration.

Over the past two years, Anastasia’s involvement with Central Park Angels has been profoundly impactful. This spring, she played a crucial role in organizing a Winter Survival Essentials Drive for Ukraine, successfully gathering over 8,000 pounds of vital supplies, including winter clothing, footwear for children and adults, blankets, and towels. Her efforts are a result of her deep commitment to humanitarian aid and her connection to her Ukrainian roots.

Continue reading to learn more about the valuable contributions Anastasia is making.

Why did you choose to volunteer with Central Park Angels?

I moved to the United States from Ukraine nine years ago, and although I have adapted to my new life and culture, my heart and soul have always remained connected to where I was born. When the war in Ukraine broke out in 2022, I looked for ways to help from overseas. My heart ached for the least protected parts of society—children, women, the elderly, and animals. I was fortunate to find Central Park Angels, an organization whose volunteers are closely attuned to the events in Ukraine and to where help is needed. They have coordinated efforts for important causes, such as collecting food and basic supplies, collecting winter essentials, sending Easter gifts to the children in the war zones, and more.

In Ukraine, I worked as a college professor, preparing future teachers. I have always believed that children are our future. Children are one of the most vulnerable parts of every society, and they deserve immense attention, support, and investment. Together with my students, we participated in several volunteering programs, including attending orphanages, collecting Christmas presents for children there, and organizing holiday events for little ones. Volunteering allows me to stay connected and continue to serve this community from the other side of the world.

What is your favorite part about volunteering with Central Park Angels?

My favorite part about volunteering with Central Park Angels is knowing that my actions have a positive impact. I know that my efforts are helping those who are surviving the daily deprivation and brutality of war. A war brings pain, loss of life, and suffering. Volunteering at an organization that provides help to those suffering from war is the least I can do for the country that I came from.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your volunteer experience?

I am extremely proud to be a part of the Extra Space Storage family. Our values of Integrity, Passion, Teamwork, Excellence, and Innovation determined my decision to join the company almost five years ago. I am so grateful to my colleagues for their support and generous donations during the essentials drive, and for the generous donation provided by Extra Space Storage through this program. This donation will be sent to OHMADYT—the main children’s hospital in Ukraine.

Extra Space Storage’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee chooses one Team Extra Space Volunteers award recipient each quarter. Winners receive a $1,000 bonus and a $1,000 company donation to the organization they volunteer with. Visit our careers page for more information about company culture and opportunities to join the team.