Life is full of decisions. Sometimes, it’s choosing between a vacation or saving for the future. Other times, it’s deciding whether to say yes to someone or no to an opportunity. But some choices are more serious, like deciding whether to drive after drinking.

This month, we’re shining a light on a crucial issue: drunk driving. It might seem like a topic we’ve covered before, but the reality is that people continue to suffer because of it. Every day, we lose family members, friends, and loved ones to this avoidable tragedy.

To bring attention to this pressing issue, we are supporting Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.). This organization works tirelessly to prevent drunk driving and support those affected by it. They estimate that two out of every three Americans will experience a loss due to drunk driving. And it’s important to note that we shouldn’t call these incidents “accidents” – because driving drunk is not a mistake that happens by chance. It’s a choice that puts lives at risk.

So, what can we do? First, let’s be clear: if you’re drinking, you should never get behind the wheel. There are plenty of alternatives. Call a ride-share service like Uber, ask a sober friend for a lift, or use public transportation. Making these choices can prevent the pain and loss that comes from drunk driving.

We must remember that drunk driving doesn’t just affect the person who’s drinking. It impacts everyone around them. The void left by a loved one who’s lost to drunk driving can never truly be filled. It’s a heartbreak that echoes through families and communities.

This month, as we support M.A.D.D., let’s also commit to making safer choices. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Share this message, and together we can help make our roads safer for everyone.

By choosing to act responsibly and supporting organizations like M.A.D.D., we take a stand against the tragic consequences of drunk driving. Let’s work towards a future where we don’t have to keep telling these stories and where every choice made on the road is a safe one.

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save more than 350,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent, and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving®calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders, and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.

Congratulations to Mr. Newman from E3 Civic High School in San Diego, for being selected as the Big Box Storage Teacher of the Month! Your heartfelt dedication to providing healthy, nutritious “brain food” to your students, both in the classroom and at home, inspired us to support your initiative. Your commitment to teaching the value of clean, healthy eating is truly commendable.

From Mr. Newman:

My Students

“Our school serves a diverse population of students in and around downtown San Diego, with many being English Learners and students in Special Education. Approximately 75% of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch, reflecting the low-income status of their families. These urban youth often lack exposure to hands-on science, proper nutrition, or outdoor environments like gardens.

Many students face food insecurity, coming to school hungry or undernourished. Some students’ only reliable meals are those provided by the school. While others may have access to food, they often fill up on unhealthy, processed options, leaving them nutritionally deficient. Given that most parents are busy working, students often don’t have proper guidance on healthy eating habits.

My Project

I strive to combat these issues by providing nutritious meals that can fuel their learning. Through our school garden, students are learning to cultivate fruits and vegetables while developing an understanding of nutrition. Slowly but surely, they are beginning to choose healthier options, such as salads and nuts, over fast food and junk snacks.

This is where your support is invaluable! My project aims to supply my students with portable sources of vegetarian protein they can take home or eat at school. We’re requesting healthy snacks like canned pinto beans, shelf-stable cheese, almonds, walnuts, and crispy dried cheese. These nutritious options will not only nourish them but also teach them critical lessons about food justice and the importance of access to healthy food choices. By understanding these concepts, students will be empowered to make better decisions for their future, ultimately leading to healthier, more productive lives.”

Mr. Newman’s dedication to his students exemplifies why our Teacher of the Month program exists. We are proud to spotlight his impactful work and to support such an important cause.

Know a deserving educator for our next Teacher of the Month? Send us an email at support@bigbox.com with the teacher’s name, school, class information, their specific needs, and why you believe they should be featured.

A big congratulations to Ms. Honig from Knox Middle School in San Diego! We’re excited to name you the Big Box Storage Teacher of the Month. Your dedication to ensuring every student has the tools they need, including something as basic as a pencil, is truly impressive. We’re grateful for your commitment to helping the next generation of learners.

From the Teacher:

“I believe that students learn best when they can experience things hands-on, especially in math. This approach works well for students from all backgrounds because it focuses more on collaboration and less on just talking or writing. To make this happen, I need creative supplies and inspiring decorations for my classroom, which currently lacks these essentials.

One ongoing challenge I face is providing pencils for my students. It’s a struggle many teachers know all too well. I used to question whether I should buy them or not, but it’s clear that students without pencils can’t practice or take notes effectively.

I found a poem by Joshua T. Dickerson that really put things into perspective for me:

‘Cause I ain’t got a pencil.

I woke myself up

Because we ain’t got an alarm clock

Dug in the dirty clothes basket,

Cause ain’t nobody washed my uniform

Brushed my hair and teeth in the dark,

Cause the lights ain’t on

Even got my baby sister ready

Cause my mama wasn’t home.

Got us both to school on time,

To eat us a good breakfast.

Then when I got to class the teacher fussed

Cause I ain’t got a pencil.’

This poem highlights the everyday struggles some students face and reminds us of the importance of having basic supplies. Your support would help ensure that every student has the pencils and materials they need to succeed in math and beyond.”

We’re excited to help you provide these essential supplies and make your classroom a more inspiring place to learn. Your dedication to your students and your proactive approach are truly admirable. We hope the pencils and supplies will help with assignments and tests and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

We’d also love to feature your students’ work on our social media to celebrate their achievements. Thank you for everything you do!

Contact Big Box Storage

Do you know a fantastic teacher who deserves to be our next Teacher of the Month? Email us at support@bigbox.com with their name, school, class info, what they need most, and why they should be featured.

If you are in need of affordable San Diego storage solutions then reach out to our team at (619) 353-5995.

We all know someone who is always giving—whether it’s their time, energy, or resources. They step in to help without expecting anything in return, tackling problems others might overlook. Unfortunately, when these generous individuals need help, their kindness is often not reciprocated.

Now, imagine this person is a member of our armed forces. Our service members dedicate themselves to protecting our country, often at great personal sacrifice. Yet, when they face financial crises or other hardships, they too may find themselves in need of support.

This is where organizations like the Support The Enlisted Project (S.T.E.P.) step in. S.T.E.P. assists junior active duty enlisted members, recently discharged Veterans, and their families in Southern California who are facing financial difficulties. Their mission is to help these individuals and families achieve long-term financial stability through counseling, education, and grants to address urgent needs.

This month, Big Box Storage is proud to partner with S.T.E.P. for their annual baby drive. We’re hosting a donation site at our office to collect essential items for families in need. Your contributions can make a significant difference. Here’s how you can help:

• Diapers and Wipes: Always in high demand, these basics are crucial for any new parent.
• New or Gently Used Baby Clothes and Toys: Gently used items are often just as good as new and greatly appreciated.
• New or Gently Used Strollers and High Chairs: These are essential for daily activities and make life a bit easier for new parents.
• New Car Seats, Booster Chairs, and Cribs: Safety is paramount, and new or gently used items can provide peace of mind.
• Retail or Grocery Gift Cards: These cards offer flexibility for families to purchase what they need most.

If you’ve ever experienced the kindness of a stranger or benefited from someone’s generosity, you understand how powerful and reassuring it can be. Now, you have the chance to be that person for our troops and their families. Your donation will help alleviate some of the burdens they face and show your support for their service.

Donations can be dropped off at Big Box Storage, located at 7077 Consolidated Way, San Diego, CA 92121. Every item you contribute will go directly to families who need it most. Let’s come together to support our military families during their time of need. Your generosity will help ensure that these brave individuals and their loved ones receive the assistance they deserve.

Congratulations to Ms. Kvalstad from Solana Pacific Elementary School in San Diego! You’re the Big Box Storage Teacher of the Month, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the amazing work you’re doing. Your creativity and dedication to seeing the unlimited potential in your students are truly inspiring.

From the Teacher:

“I’m honored to teach a wonderfully diverse group of students who represent over 50 countries, including those with special needs or learning disabilities. Each student brings their own unique perspective and potential to the classroom.

My students are future scientists, engineers, mathematicians, writers, and explorers. They thrive on hands-on, real-world tools that help bring their ideas to life. At our school, we embrace project-based learning and STEM projects to make education engaging and fun.

Right now, we’re hoping to get a 3Doodler Start EDU Bundle Set. This tool will let my students’ imaginative STEM projects come to life in 3D! With the 3Doodler, they can explore abstract concepts in math, science, art, and engineering in a tangible way. They’ll use it to design geometry in math, create 3D models of imaginary animals in science, and build weight-bearing bridges or roller coasters in engineering. This tool will make their learning more interactive and meaningful.

By funding this project, you’ll help my students explore, discover, and create in ways they never have before, sparking their curiosity and creativity.”

We’re excited to support your innovative approach to teaching and help you bring the 3Doodler to your classroom. We hope this tool ignites your students’ imaginations and sets them on the path to becoming the next generation of thinkers, builders, and innovators. We’d love to showcase their creativity on our social media—feel free to share their work with us!

Contact Big Box Storage

Know a deserving teacher for our next Teacher of the Month? Email us at support@bigbox.com with their name, school, class info, and why they should be featured. If you are in need of flexible San Diego storage solutions then reach out to our team at (619) 353-5995.

As winter settles in, San Diego’s usually mild weather turns cold, reminding us to bundle up and adjust. For most, this change is a minor inconvenience. But for those without a home, the drop in temperature can be a serious and dangerous challenge. Right now, there are around 1,162 people living outdoors in downtown San Diego—a number that has risen by 43 percent over the past year. For these individuals, the cold is more than just uncomfortable; it’s a daily struggle for survival.

If you’ve walked through downtown San Diego recently, you’ve probably seen people in need of help. It’s a tough situation, and it can be hard to know how to make a difference. That’s where the San Diego Rescue Mission comes in.

About the San Diego Rescue Mission

Since 1955, the San Diego Rescue Mission has been working to help the homeless, hungry, and those in need in San Diego. This non-profit organization provides essential services like shelter, food, and recovery programs. They are dedicated to improving the lives of those who are struggling and helping them find a path to a better future.

Last year, the Rescue Mission made a significant impact:

They provided shelter for men, women, and children for 163,885 nights.

They served 424,325 meals, which is more than 1,100 meals each day.

They rescued 152 people, offering them critical care and case management in their Recuperative Care Unit.

They took care of 600 children and 1,104 women, providing them with safety and food in emergency shelters.

Big Box Storage Steps Up

In support of these important efforts, Big Box Storage is excited to announce that we are sponsoring nine individuals experiencing homelessness through the San Diego Rescue Mission. Our sponsorship will cover their shelter, food, and care around the clock. We hope to bring some comfort and stability to these nine people during this challenging time.

We believe that by shining a light on this issue, we can inspire others to get involved and make a difference. If you’re moved to help, we encourage you to consider making a donation to the San Diego Rescue Mission. Every little bit helps, and your support can make a big difference in someone’s life.

How You Can Help

If you want to support this cause, please visit the San Diego Rescue Mission’s website to make a donation. Your contribution will help ensure that more people in need get the care and support they require to improve their lives.

At Big Box Storage, we are proud to partner with the San Diego Rescue Mission and support their vital work. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to find hope and a path to a better future. By working together, we can make a positive impact and help those who are struggling find the assistance they need.

Thank you for considering this important cause and for joining us in making a difference in our community. Your generosity can bring warmth and hope to those who need it most. Give the Big Box team a call at (619) 353-5995 to see how you can help with the cause or if you are in need of easy San Diego storage solutions.

Congratulations to Ms. Alcaraz from Gage Elementary School in San Diego! We are excited to recognize your incredible dedication to your students and all the hard work you put in. Your efforts are truly inspiring, and we’re thrilled to honor you as our well-deserved Teacher of the Month!

From Ms. Alcaraz:

“My students are a lively, energetic bunch! We started the year with 20 little 4-year-olds, who are now growing into bright 5-year-olds. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be a challenge as we work on building our classroom community with a focus on respect, personal space, and social skills.

Every day, my kids can’t wait to learn how to write in Spanish from their ‘Maestra!’ They’re just beginning their educational journey and are so full of wonder and excitement. These kids are clever, creative, and often quite funny! They greet each day with big smiles—after a few tears over saying goodbye to their parents. As a new transitional kindergarten class, we’re still in need of resources to support our learning.

As the school year progresses, my students are expanding their vocabulary, especially through social centers and playtime. To help them keep growing, they need hands-on tools to enhance their learning and fuel their imagination. By having these learning tools, my students will be able to gain proficiency in Spanish naturally—without even realizing they’re being taught. Instead, they’ll feel like they’re just playing, which is such a fun and effective way for them to learn.”

Learning through play is so crucial in shaping young minds, and we’re more than happy to support Ms. Alcaraz’s request for learning tools to help her students grow. At Big Box Storage, we believe in investing in the future of the next generation, and we’re proud to sponsor outstanding educators like Ms. Alcaraz.

Know an incredible teacher who deserves to be our next Teacher of the Month? Send us an email at support@bigbox.com with the teacher’s name, school, and class information, along with what they need most to support their students and why you think they should be featured!