LifeStorage of Aurora, part of the 18-facility LifeStorage self-storage chain, hosted a garage sale and charity cookout on Oct. 1 to benefit the Hope D. Wall School, a special education facility operated by East and West Aurora Districts for Aurora students residing in Districts 131 and 129.

The event took place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and provided tenants of the facility to sell their unwanted items from their storage spaces. Facility managers Ginger Smith and Dan O'Neil felt it was a perfect opportunity to help out a community school while creating foot traffic for the business.

I not only work in the community, but I live here as well, and I believe that helping the local community is best way to show my support, Smith said. The Hope D. Wall School helps so many young people in our community that is great to know that we are giving back to those who need our support.

The Hope D. Wall School opened in 1971 and is a cooperative public school, with students ranging in age from 3 to 21. The school's mission is to value diversity in the population, and to promote effective communication among the students, families, staff, and community members. Its programs provide an educational service that assist students in achieving their academic potential, providing an educational setting that enhances their emotional and social adjustment and development, and prepares them to function as productive members of society.

LifeStorage Centers LLC has 18 self-storage facilities throughout the ChicagoLand area. The company was founded in 2002 by owners Jean Jodoin and Christopher Barry.