As my editorial director, Teri Lanza, wrote in her blog last week: Now is the time to reach out and make an impact in your community. Not only do I encourage you to heed her words, but you should also toot your own horn, so to speak.

Teri suggests spreading the word about your altruism via local newspapers, chamber of commerce and radio. And Inside Self-Storage wants to help, too.

Last summer, the magazine launched the Humanitarian Service Award to recognize companies and individuals in the industry involved in volunteering time, expertise, resources or funds to assist those in need. ISS will choose four winners. Each winner will receive a $2,000 grant, made payable to the nonprofit organization, project, event or program being supported.

You can nominate yourself, your own company or any other eligible candidates or companies. However, all nominees must be directly connected to the self-storage industry. The winners will also be recognized at the Inside Self-Storage World Expo in Las Vegas Jan. 26-29.

You can review the completed guidelines here, which also contains a link to the application. If you or someone you know is deserving of this prestigious award, don’t delay. The applications deadline is this Saturday, Nov. 1.