A few weeks ago, I challenged you to give some thought to your holiday-giving plans. At the end of the blog, there were links to several projects your peers have undertaken.

If you’ve determined your cause and are ready to invest yourself, now is the time to take action. First, contact the charity of your choice, presuming, of course, ownership approves of your plans and how the facility will be portrayed. Determine your budget for any monetary donations, and get ready to jump in head first. Once you make contact, you’ll be in the door for the season, and just maybe a lifetime.

Recently, JustB posted this question on Self Storage Talk: “How do you go about community outreach to begin with? I can understand volunteering—if you have time. But when your work day ends at 6 p.m., what can you volunteer for?”

To begin, the easiest thing to do is donate space to help an organization with their holiday efforts. One note: Speak with your attorney first. If people are working on your site and don’t rent from you, they have not signed a release of liability or indemnity clause. At my facility, we ask each volunteer to sign a release before they come on to the property. Most have signed a similar document for the organization for which they’re volunteering so they're familiar with the process. We’ve never had a problem or injury, but you need to protect the company assets—even while doing a good thing.

Here’s the next phase. Volunteers are showing up, and you’re directing them to the assigned unit considered their base camp. Is that all you’re doing? I’m not speaking of running them out on your golf cart, either. Are you marketing to the volunteers? Do you have goodies to share in your office? We have the standard cookies, chocolates, coffee and water, but during November and December we put out a crock pot of the most wonderful spiced cider anyone’s ever had.  As we ladle up piping-hot cups, it gives us a chance to graciously accept their compliments and tell them (soft sell) a little bit about our facility.

If you have a marketing trinket, such as a key chain or magnet, pass it along. A referral coupon is a great thing to pass out at this time, too.  They may be looking for storage for themselves soon. The holidays are approaching, company is coming to town, or they need a place to hide hubby’s gift. Let them know you’re there and you have a special rate through December. If you don’t have one, make up one fast and sign them up. Regardless, don’t let anyone walk away empty-handed from your office.

We're just beginning to answer JustB's question. At this point, we’re still working within the constraints of our normal work day. What owner would complain about increased traffic to your store for the donation of an empty unit for four to six weeks?

The number of people experiencing your hospitality and goodwill will translate into word-of-mouth advertising as they tell their friends, family and co-workers how nice you are, they didn’t even know there was a storage facility there, etc. And all for the simple out-of-pocket cost of cider and cookies.

In next week’s blog, we’ll jump from the frying pan into the fire with personal volunteerism, and how to juggle it all. Until then, pick your group now if you haven’t already, and ask how you and your store may be of service.