In many parts of the country, August is synonymous with going back to school. Parents register their children and then purchase school supplies and clothing so their children will be prepared. Many times, school fees and back-to-school purchases put a strain on family finances. In an effort to provide support and relief to local families, Extra Space Storage of Columbia, South Carolina, is partnering with Forest Lake Elementary School to provide basic school supplies for families with kindergarten and first grade students. Extra Space Storage is providing a tote bag filled with essential school supplies for these children. Mike Kardian, Extra Space Storage Divisional Vice President, has great satisfaction in taking an active role in supporting the local community by providing these educational supplies.
Juli Blalcock, president of the Parent Teacher Organization for Forest Lake is grateful for this support. She says that due to record breaking temperatures families have high electric bills. These big electric bills impact a family's ability to prepare their children for school and she is appreciative for this community support during the difficult economic times.
Other self storage businesses across the nation participate in similar community service. Mark E. Silverman, owner of Mark's Moving & Storage Inc. in Westborough, Massachusetts, is also committed to serving his community. He contributes to the United Way of Tri-County, Hits for Kids, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Arthritis Foundation.
The Old Barn Self Storage, in Grass Valley, California, is another example of community support. This business participates in community programs such as Kiwanis Kids Back to School, the Hospital Doll Project, Toys for Tots, Women of Worth, and the Kiwanis Family House (which provides a place for families to stay when their children are in the hospital). The Old Barn Self Storage donates the use of their facility and trucks in addition to contributing cash to worthy causes.
Hawaii Self Storage, on the island of Oahu, also donates services and resources for local charities and non-profit organizations. They offer scholarships to high school students, donate reading books to first graders, hold book drives, and provide temporary storage to individuals experiencing financial hardships. They have also donated money toward the building of a receiving home for children entering the welfare system. They encourage their employees to do volunteer work and community service. Hawaii Self Storage funds each hour of service and then the funds are donated to a local charity or organization.
Sources Used:
"Extra Space Storage of Columbia Partners With Forest Lake Elementary School." MarketWire.com, 09 August 2011.
"Westborough Company Makes All the Right Moves." The MetroWest Daily News, 15, 2011.
Mark's Moving and Storage Inc.
Old Barn Self Storage