San Diego Self Storage (SDSS) has reported the results of its 2015 Community Pride project, which it launched at its 17 facilities in San Diego County earlier this year. Each property was given $500 to donate to a charitable cause chosen by the facility’s staff.
“We love being part of the San Diego community,” said J. Terry Aston, managing partner. “San Diegans have supported our business, and we want to make sure we’re giving back to our local communities, supporting worthwhile causes and organizations that positively impact San Diego. It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to everyone in this city, which has supported our business so much.”
Employees were allowed to choose one charity or divide the funds across multiple organizations, according to a company press release. “We chose the San Diego Humane Society because we love our pets and want to help less fortunate animals that are suffering. We believe that all animals deserve a chance at a good life,” said Steve and Tally, managers of Poway Road Mini Storage in Poway, Calif.
Otay Mesa Self Storage in San Diego donated the $500 to Child Development Associates, which offers three state-subsidized, full-day preschool centers in southern San Diego County. “This was a warm-feeling experience to know this check will bring many smiles and opportunities to low-income kids in our community,” said Zee Balata, manager of Otay Mesa. “The site supervisor, Armida Carbajal, was very honored and excited to receive our donation. She showed me around the center and pointed out the many benefits their children get. The kids were so happy and excited as well. Their expressions of thanks as I walked out of their classroom was powerful and touching.”
Programs that benefited animals and kids seemed to be popular for most SDSS teams, according to Kraig Haviland, director of operations. Additional organizations that benefited include 2nd Chance Dog Rescue, Conner’s Cause for Children, Helen Woodward Animal Center, Integrity Charter School, Mira Mesa Senior High School, San Ysidro Recreation Council, South Bay Family YMCA and Villa Musica. Some SDSS locations have yet to make their donation.
The project has lifted spirits in the SSDS facility offices and created unique bonds among team members as some had personal connections to local charities, the release stated. “We are an organization of compassionate people who care about our community, and we hope to continue to make a positive impact in San Diego. Our charitable project works to involve our employees, to stress the value of remaining an active participant in the community,” Haviland said.
SDSS is involved in the community in other ways as well. This year marks the 18th year it has supported the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The company regularly supports other organizations including AJ’s Kids Crane, Kure It Cancer Research and Del Mar-Solana Beach Sunrise Rotary Club.
“I am proud to work with a company that values philanthropy, which empowers employees to make meaningful contributions to their community,” Haviland said. “The SDSS 2015 Community Project has been beneficial for so many organizations, but we also feel incredibly grateful we can provide this experience to our staff. We aim to develop our employees professionally and personally.”
Founded in 1972, SSDS has a network of self-storage facilities in San Diego County and additional facilities in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The company is locally owned and operated.
