Budget Self Storage in Brandon, Fla., is collecting donations of goods for Selah Freedom, a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, training and help to victims of human trafficking. The facility kicked off its campaign during its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, Oct. 22, which was attended by Selah Freedom President and CEO Elizabeth Fisher. Donations include personal-care items, toiletries, beauty products and gift cards.
Budget will also provide bins at its locations in Sarasota, Tampa and Valrico, Fla., to collect items for the charity year-round. The self-storage operator has 10 facilities in Florida and five in North Carolina.
The storage company also sponsored the Selah Freedom Run on Oct. 18 in Sarasota. The partnership evolved after a representative from the nonprofit was introduced at a Brandon Chamber of Commerce meeting, Robin Emanuel, Budget’s marketing, told the source.
“We met Molly Mishos, corporate development/ coach for Selah Freedom, at a chamber meeting. When we heard Florida was the No. 3 state in the country for sex trafficking and Tampa Bay is No. 2 in our state, we asked how can Budget help,” Emanuel said. “We wanted to help bring awareness to the issue and make it convenient for people to drop off donations and help.”
At the Budget grand opening, attendees were offered an interactive map and guided tours of nearby businesses. Essentials Massage and Facials provided chair massages, Pinot’s Palette led a painting group, Music on the Move provided entertainment, and Sweetie’s Delights offered refreshments.
Founded in 1985 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., Budget Self Storage is managed by Budget Management Inc., which was launched in 1987 to handle all operational aspects of the business. StorCon Development LLC, owned by the same entity, coordinates the site selection, research, development and construction of all new Budget facilities, according to the company website.
