Most of us view the holiday season differently as we pass though the different stages of our lives. In our early years, we may be focused on the gifts that we receive and the immediate joy that something new can bring. Later, the opportunity to share experiences with family and friends and reaching out to those less fortunate is the source of holiday joy. As I think about our California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA) family, I am proud to be a part of a group who has, as a core value, an emphasis on the giving of time, love and treasure, not just during the holiday season, but year around.

While too much of the public perception of movers is driven by the bad actions of illegal operators whose sole business address is a domain name, the legal and licensed movers who are members of CMSA work hard each and every day to serve the moving public and follow the rules and regulations of the state of California. In addition to providing quality service to their customers, many are engaged in charitable activity to the benefit of those in need. Just in the months of November and December, members have:

• Donated, stored and delivered furniture to Northern California fire victims, many of whom lost all that they had.
• Participated individually or at the chapter level in a Move for Hunger food drive.
• Provided donations, transportation and other services for Wounded Warrior and United Way toy drives.
• Organized, volunteered, and participated in events that raise funds in support of CMSA Charities, including Scholarship – educational and vocational, Special Olympics, and the Chairman’s Choice Charity – this year, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Upcoming or recent additional charitable efforts include support for Habitat for Humanity projects and Operation Homefront, a program that provides help and support to active military members and their families. We live in a time and a country for which we have much to be grateful for and CMSA members have many times reached out, with the strong hand of someone who has worked hard, to help lift up the less fortunate. 

On behalf of the CMSA team (Renee, Gale and Debbie), my family and I, we wish you a joyous holiday season and health and happiness in the New Year!

December 2017 - CMSA Communicator