Goodwill in Richmond VA — More Than Just Donations

Most of us think of Goodwill as a place to drop off our old stuff and a place to pick up some new (to us) stuff at a great price. That is true, but Goodwill has so much more to offer. Did you know that Goodwill also provides education, job training and placement? Let’s take a closer look at our neighborhood Goodwill.

Giving and getting goods is the major source of income for Goodwill and the easiest way for us to help. This is a great place to take our items that are still good, but aren’t used any more. They take items such as electronics, small household goods, clothing, toys, computers and even old cars. Just make sure the items are in good shape and clean. The local Goodwill stores have a huge selection of goods and they are extremely well priced. Check them out if you haven’t already!

A major part of Goodwill’s mission is to eliminate barriers to opportunity. Each of us has a different background that influences our ability to succeed. If our background is very limited in our access to tools for success, we will naturally struggle. Some of the people who may have barriers to opportunity include seniors, people with disabilities, people with criminal backgrounds, veterans and their families, immigrants, and youth. This is where Goodwill is so effective.

Goodwill provides free services such as job and career training, interview practice, resume writing, and advice on proper interview/work attire. They also provide help finding child care and reliable transportation along with a financial planning course to manage newly earned resources. I never knew all that!

These are all free services, so how is that possible? That’s where we can help. There are several ways to keep Goodwill as a powerful force in the community. We can donate goods to Goodwill, buy lots of goods from Goodwill, volunteer our time and be a business partner willing to give a job start to newly trained workers.

Goodwill is making such an impact that Beyonce’ is promoting the success and needs of Goodwill in her upcoming tour - The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. She will be asking for financial donations as well as goods. This is another way you can help by joining Beyonce’ and giving a monetary gift through the Goodwill website - www.goodwill.org.

Who knew all this? Goodwill is such an asset to our community. Extra Attic supports Goodwill and appreciates all it does for the community. Think about how you may want to participate in their success!

So You're Looking for a Storage Area in Richmond, Huh?

Whether you're moving or recently noticed that your basement is overloaded, Extra Attic has affordable self-storage solutions in Richmond, VA.  You can choose anything from a 25 square-foot area to store small valuable items to a 300 square-foot area to store larger items like cars and boats.  We also offer everything in-between!

Some of the main features of our storage areas in Richmond, VA include:

Climate-Controlled Indoor Environments: keeps valuables in good condition and free from mold, mildew and the harmful expansion-contraction process caused by shifting weather patterns

Intelligent Security: In addition to having updated security lighting, video monitoring and fences, we also have on-site managers.  With a human presence and genuine concern for the protection of your belongings, your belongings are always secure.

Unlimited Daily Access: this way you can take full advantage of your stored items whenever you want.  Think of this as your attic away from home.  Even though it's not attached to your home, it's yours!  And you can use it when and how you like, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.  After 9 p.m., we permanently lock gates to offer superior protection.

Because we have numerous locations, all equipped with these features, we're able to conveniently serve residents throughout Richmond and its surrounding areas.  Extra Attic has storage areas in Bethlehem, Patterson and Springfield, VA.  We also have a storage area at the Richmond, VA airport.

With monthly rates as low as $25, we consider ourselves a cost-effective home storage alternative for the entire community.  And the Richmond community agrees with us!  Just take a look at some of our customer testimonials.  For the security and space you get, Richmond residents believe we offer the best storage areas at the lowest prices.

Right now, we're offering a free month of storage for people who sign up for our services online.  For more information, please contact us today.

We look forward to serving you and keeping your belongings secure, safe and easily accessible.

3 Common Reasons that People Use Self-Storage

Self storage units are becoming more and more common in this day and age, as we collect things and increasingly have nowhere to put them. Moves, bequeathals, new children, etc. will all add to the amount of important possessions that we have, but leave us no space for them. Since not everyone can look for a new home just to accommodate their belongings, self-storage units allow people to keep everything in security.

Here are three of the most common reasons that people would rent a self-storage unit:

1. Temporary Storage While Moving

Whether people are moving temporarily or permanently, storage units are a great way to handle any excess belongings that they might have. After all, it's not always possible to move everything into a home and set it all up in one day. Having boxes and bulky furniture cluttering rooms and hallways until it can be assembled doesn't help either. A storage unit can be used to keep items until they are ready to be moved in, so that everything remains organized.

2. A Lack of Storage Space in the Home

People who live in houses often use their basements and attics for storage, but this isn't an option for those who live in an apartment, mobile home or anywhere else that may not have these convenient spaces. People who don't have a reliable storage space often rent storage units to cut down on the clutter in their own homes. This is an especially effective solution for those who are residing in smaller living spaces temporarily; once they move into a larger home, they simply retrieve what they had kept in storage.

3. Storing Seasonal Clothing

Just about everyone has clothing that can only be worn during certain times of the year. Nobody wants to wear a sweater on a hot summer day, and they probably won't have much use for a bathing suit in the winter. These clothes often take up space for months when they go unused, and many people like to put them in temporary storage. This is a popular solution for those who live in smaller homes and don't have the extra closet space.

Naturally, there are many reasons that people need self-storage in Richmond, VA, but these are just a few of the more common ones. Keep in mind that it is very easy for temporary storage to become permanent, so it's smart to keep a close record of everything that is locked up in these units.

Anthem Moonlight Ride 2013 Richmond VA

Have you had a desire to go on a bike ride with your family or to show off your bike riding talents? The Anthem Moonlight Ride 2013 may be just what you are looking for. Sports Backers has organized an 8:00PM ride for August 17, 2013. There will be eight groupings and two course lengths, based on your strength and your purpose for the ride (racing, fun, etc.)

The ride leaves from Sports Backers Stadium at varying group times. All of the riders will ride the same course for the first 8 miles, with the remaining riders biking another 9 miles. The course runs through various parts of the city, including Monument Avenue and Bryan Park, and will have security all along the route. The ride is open to all ability levels, however children ages 8-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

The cost of the ride ranges from $10- $50 depending on age and time of payment. Another fun piece of this event is the costume and light contest. Riders who enter the contest will win prizes for the most creative outfits and lights (after all you will be riding at night)! Participants will also receive a free goodie bag, a T shirt, blinking light, and an invitation to a free after- ride pizza party. Getting exercise, riding on bike safe roads, contests, freebies, and spending time with family are the makings of a really exciting night.

You will also be glad to know that extra monies raised during this event will be donated to a charity- The Bike Walk RVA advocacy program. This group works towards having more and safer walking and bike riding options in the Richmond area. As you think about your involvement with the Anthem Moonlight Ride, remember volunteers and vendors are also needed. 

Start making your plans now to participate in a fabulous night time bike ride through streets of the city with 3,500 other riders! We'll see you there!