Local Business Supports Their Community – in Good Times and Bad

Times are tough. Just ask John Fitzsimmons, Property Manager with Extra Space Storage in Venice, Florida. "Currently, we are experiencing a 'business contraction' due to the downturn in the economy. While we enjoy both business and residential customers at our facility, the majority of our clients are residential," says Fitzsimmons. "Because of the foreclosure situation in our area, our team has been active in trying to assist families forced to move (due to foreclosure) secure their possessions in one of our units until they can get back on their feet. Many of these families have had to move in with their own parents - or even motels - so there is little to no 'extra space' for their things. We try to lessen the sting of that move on these families by providing affordable storage options and flexible leasing arrangements," continued Fitzsimmons.

But his facility offers more than storage for displaced families. This facility has been a proud partner of many years with the United States Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" program, whose mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The Marine Corps believes this program can help to "deliver a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens." Fitzsimmons facility, located at 1266 US Highway 41 Bypass S, {(941) 488-7574}, not only provides them with a storage unit for toys collected, but serves as a donation drop-off location as well. "We promote this program in the community with drive-by signage, letting people know they can drop their toys here, at our facility," Fitzsimmons said.

If you do drive by this facility, you will notice the American flags displayed prominently in front. Patriotic, yes, but this community is also bound by another historic event. In September, 2001, on that fateful Tuesday morning, the Venice Airport gained worldwide notoriety as the training location for the terrorists who attacked New York's World Trade Center. "On September 11th each year, we fly special flags commemorating this event. Everyone in the community looks forward to this, and our property has received numerous awards and commendations for this particular activity, of which we are very proud," said Fitzsimmons. And they should be.

Winnie Hsiu is a recent college graduate who is passionate about traveling and enjoys the life of a vagabond. She enjoys blogging about her "cheap travels" and the memorabilia she has collected along the way. How and where she stores her things - as a nomad - makes for "fun fodder" on her blog.
Because of her travels self storage is an interest of Winnie's. She recently went looking for self storage in Venice.