Store Rooms Self Storage Is a Platform for Kindness

#NiceWork! When confronted with the devastation of hurricane Maria, Store Rooms Self Storage in Marlborough, MA served as a venue of kindness for those most in need. Locally owned since 1996, Store Rooms Self Storage values service in and out of the community.  

Suffering from the destructive path of hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico is left in critical condition. As a response, charitable organizations throughout the world are dedicating their time to relief efforts to fulfill the basic needs of those impacted in the country. One nonprofit organization answering this call is SMILE mass, whose primary mission is to work with surrounding recreational facilities to make day trips and vacations accessible to families with disabled members. Through their work, SMILE mass is providing happy and healthy memories to families living with children or adults with disabilities.

Called to action, SMILE mass and Store Rooms Self Storage partnered with one another to hold a food and water drive in efforts to aid those most in need of kindness within Puerto Rico. When asked what inspired the business to take action along with SMILE mass, Sarah, a representative of Store Rooms Self-Storage, explained to Envision Kindness that it was necessary to take action and assist in any way they could, in order to further contribute to the relief efforts for Puerto Rico.

Donating boxes, tape, plastic bags and their property, Store Rooms Self Storage served as the platform for the massive impact made by SMILE mass. Through several donations, the drive for Puerto Rico resulted in over 120 large wooden pallets being stacked with food and water for the country.  Working with Homeland Security and Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, the donations from the event will be sent to those most in need in Puerto Rico. Aside from this most recent effort, Store Rooms Self Storage has held numerous charitable events over the years, including drives to support Toys 4 Tots and their One Warm Coat. Store Rooms Self Storage provides kindness to those most in need. The business is quick to take action positively impacting the world around them.

To learn more about Store Rooms Self Storage and SMILE mass visit their websites: https://storeroomsselfstorage.com ; http://www.smilemass.org. Use your life as a platform for compassion and bring about positive change to those most in need of kindness.

CT Realtors Are Honoring a Life of Kindness

#NiceWork! Connecticut Realtors is a realty trade association based in East Hartford, CT that unites realtors all across the State. They have a long established culture of kindness, a legacy of the incredible life of former Executive Vice President, Harry “Bud” Wenz. A WWII veteran, State Representative, and compassionate human being, Mr. Wenz exemplified kindness.  His friends and colleagues described him as warm, caring, and sincere with a great sense of humor. He truly cared about his impact in the world. Not only was he in the leadership of CAR (Connecticut Association of Realtors), he was also very politically involved. During his time on the General Assembly, Bud originating a bill that raised licensing standards for real estate brokers along with requirements for both prerequisite exams and continued education. Since his passing in 2008, CT realtors have worked to honor his memory. What originally started as the “Good Neighbor Awards” has since transformed into CT REALTORS Random Acts of Kindness Day on September 21st, Bud’s birthday.  It has become an annual event since 2016.

During Random Acts of Kindness Day, members of CT Realtors are encouraged to perform at least one random act of kindness. This year, Lisa Governale of CT Realtors told Envision that, “CTR staff painted ‘kindness rocks’ with uplifting messages.  We distributed the rocks in a little garden at Nevers Road Park in South Windsor with a sign encouraging anyone who needs a little lift to take a rock.” The rock initiative has been hugely successful. Lisa Governale told Envision that “when a CT realtor staff member went the following week to take a walk through the park all of the rocks were gone.”

Along with Kindness Rocks, staff members have posted messages honoring Mr. Wenz and have contributed to CT Realtors Care. The foundation was established by CT Realtors as a way to formalize their philanthropic efforts and respond to natural disasters. Since its foundation in 2009, the nonprofit has donated generously to help those in the community and beyond. Initiatives they have undertaken include “Dog Days of Summer” where members collect items for animal shelters as well as various donation drives to give children in Connecticut’s homeless shelters a Paddington Bear. Most recently, they’ve matched 100% of donations to help hurricane Harvey victims, raising $10,290 and donating a total of $20,290.

Community members and all those aware of CT Realtors Act of Kindness Day are encouraged to live a life promoting kindness. On the CT realtor’s website, there is a list of kindness ideas, facts, and quotes so anyone can become an agent of kindness. “Smile at someone on the street, just because,” number 16 reads. Like a simple smile, CT Realtors spread kindness throughout their community.

To learn more about CT Realtors Random Acts of Kindness Day or if you’re in need of kindness inspiration, visit their website. One kind act can change a life. I challenge you to perform a random act of Kindness right now and share it with Envision. Together, we can show the world how abundant kindness is.

Smile It Forward with Behl Orthodontics

#NiceWork! Dr. Yugal Behl, an orthodontist in Hampton Roads, VA wants all of his patients to have a beautiful spirit and smile. To do so, Dr. Behl recently launched “Smile it Forward,” a creative and generous program designed to give kids who do good in their communities a life changing reward: free braces.  

Even after insurance, braces can cost between $3,000 – $7,000.  For most families, any financial assistance helps.  “I want to pay it forward with this initiative and give deserving kids, no matter their financial circumstances, the opportunity to enjoy the benefits that orthodontics can provide,” explained Dr. Behl.

Dr. Behl has been involved with a similar program called Smiles Change Lives. This wonderful organization helps provide braces for young people who cannot otherwise afford them. Inspired by their work and by the transformations he observes in his patients every day, Dr. Behl decided to create a similar program. “One of my favorite things about being an orthodontist is watching the confidence grow from non-existent before braces to beaming after braces,” says Dr. Behl.  

As part of the financial coverage, Behl’s program requires patients to be active members in their schools and communities. Recipients of the award are chosen based on financial need as well as community involvement. Staff reviews patients’ stories and chooses a winner based on a combination of these factors. Because Dr. Behl helps his patients feel confident with their smiles, it’s only natural for him to encourage them to smile it forward. Behl encourages young people to get involved with local nonprofits, food banks, animal shelters, or any other community organization that works to help others. “The stories that are coming in are so heartwarming,” Brittany Graff of Behl’s marketing team explained to Envision Kindness.

Dr. Behl has been involved with the community since the beginning of his first practice back in 2010 after completing his degree at Boston University. He has always been focused on creating a practice that values compassion. Behl Orthodontics continuously donates and sponsors community events, drives, and school functions. In fact, they encourage community members to reach out to them to request sponsorship on their website for causes that are important to them. They’ve been especially involved with helping military families. By getting involved with Military Bridge, the practice was able to give those who have been involved with the military $1,000 off braces this May. Because the promotion was so popular, they extended through June. Today, Dr. Behl has 8 practices in Hampton Roads, from Yorktown to Chesapeake.

We hope Behl Orthodontics continues to grow, helping kids gain confidence and Hampton Roads communities flourish. Dr. Behl and his incredible staff show us that when businesses give back to their communities, everyone benefits. Thank you, Behl Orthodontics for doing such kind work!