by Tony Gonzalez
June 22, 2011 5:03 PM
In a down economy it is easy for people not to donate much to charity; they are too busy trying to take care of their own families. Thankfully, many people still find a way to give back to the community whether it is through monetary donations or some other method.
Businesses, self storage and otherwise, are under the same kind of crunch that people are; many of them are hanging on by a very thin thread. Many businesses still do find many ways to give back to the community, but there are some that go the extra mile literally and figuratively.
Take LifeStorage, a self storage company in the Chicagoland area, as an example. Recently they announced an ambitious plan to do what they can to make sure families in their community do not go hungry. The company has pledged to engage in a muti-faceted campaign to raise funds/collect donations for the Pantry of Rich Township, a local food pantry that helps serve over 750 families.
“Personally we both feel it is a great organization and with the economy and gas prices as they are we all could use a little help,” Michael Gray, one of the managers at the Matteson LifeStorage facility, said. “We are trying to help service the community of which we are in since the community is what helps us grow as a business.”
The basis of their efforts will involve collecting money and/or food from other employees of the self storage company. A charity car wash will be coming in the near future and will give members of the community an opportunity to donate food and/or money. A team of employees has also entered the 26th Annual Hunger Walk to help raise funds as well.
“...We have to depend on fundraisers and private donations of money or foods to help support us in buying the needed items for our clients,” said Vicki Sline, the director of the Pantry. “The foods donated goes right back out to the community and The Hunger Walk money goes to credit our account at the Chicago Food Depository from which we purchase food for our shelves.”
Efforts like this are not unusual for employees of LifeStorage. In the later part of July, there will be employees taking part in the Muddy Buddy competition. Contestants, working in pairs, try to tackle an intense optical course spread out over 6-7 miles. Funds raised through it will go to aid the Challenged Athletes Fund.
“I am inspired by not only the foundation, but the athletes that benefit from them,” said Susan Powers, Carpentersville LifeStorage Store Manager.
If a company is so willing to go the extra mile, literally and figuratively, for the community, you have to wonder what they would be willing to do for their actual customers.
Sources Used:
“Life Storage - Chicagoland’s Self StorageSupports a LocalFood Pantry and The 26th Annual Hunger Walk.” PRWeb; 22 June 2011.
“Employees at Self Storage Company Become Muddy Buddies for Charity.” Self Storage Industry News; 02 June 2011.