Self-Storage Operators in Giving Spirit With Holiday Drives

As the holidays quickly approach, self-storage operators and state associations across the country are contributing to charity drives and getting in the spirit of giving.

Westy Self Storage in Stamford, Conn., is a designated drop-off location for winter coats and toys for Operation Santa Donation Drive to benefit underprivileged children at Benjamin Franklin School/P.S. 55 in Bronx, N.Y. The self-storage facility will also provide free storage for the donations and final delivery via its moving truck.

Westy kicked off the annual drive, founded by Kaisa Newhams, in its grand lobby at 80 Brownhouse Road on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. The children's "Dear Santa" letters were showcased, and guests could select as many letters as they liked to fulfill the child's wishes along with providing a warm coat, mittens and a hat.

Donations can be made at Westy Self Storage Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The drive runs through Dec. 13.

“The generosity provided by those answering the ‘Dear Santa’ letters will be the only Christmas these children have,” Newhams told the source. “Additionally, without the continued help of Westy, we would not be able to continue to expand our effort to include more and more children each year. Westy’s assistance in providing a drop-off location, secure storage and delivery of the donations greatly reduces the logistical challenges of the program, thereby allowing us to focus more attention on the children and their needs.”

Founded in 1990, Westy Self Storage operates 13 facilities in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.

The Arizona Self-Storage Association (AZSSA) recently launched its statewide campaign to benefit the  U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Annual Holiday Toy Drive. The association is encouraging all member facilities to participate in the drive by serving as drop-off locations for Toys for Tots.

"Participating in the Toys for Tots drive is the ideal way for members to give back to their local communities," said Don Favreau, association president. "In view of the current economic difficulties impacting the state of Arizona, participating in the toy drive gives member facilities the opportunity to make a difference and bring happiness to many disadvantaged children this Christmas."

Participating facilities will need to supply their own boxes to collect toys, but logos and posters for display are available from the AZSSA. Campaign coordinators will pick up all collected items on Dec. 17 and 18. Operators who are interested in taking part in the drive should contact AZSSA Public Relations Chair Jennifer Curtis at 623.341.0069 or jcurtis@williamwarren.com and provide their facility name, address, phone number and contact person.

Founded in 1996, AZSSA has more than 500 facility and vendor members in Arizona.

The Toys for Tots program has distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children since it was founded 18 years ago.

For the third year in a row, Price Self Storage in San Diego is providing free gift-wrapping stations, using the moniker "Elf Storage" to present itself as one of Santa's elves. The facility offers a free work area with spools of holiday wrapping paper, tags, tape and bows. Wrapping stations are open to the public through Dec. 24 at two Price Self Storage locations,  3951 Murphy Canyon Road in San Diego and 1110 W. Foothill Blvd. in Azusa, Calif.

"People seem to really appreciate the extra wrapping space and ability to secretly wrap their gifts away from the prying eyes of kids and loved ones," said Kelly McClenahan, Price Self Storage’s marketing and creative manager. "We feel wrapping gifts away from the home makes for true holiday surprises!"

Price Self Storage operates 13 facilities throughout California, serving communities in San Diego, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, San Juan Capistrano and Walnut Creek.

San Diego Self Storage donated 200 toys to the Community Resource Center’s Holiday Baskets project to benefit underprivileged children. The project serves about 1,700 households in San Diego's North County through the donation of food, blankets, gifts and bicycles during the holiday season.

The Community Resource Center's mission is to provide families in need and victims of domestic violence with safety, stability and a path to self-sufficiency.

San Diego Self Storage was founded in 1972 and has 18 facilities in San Diego, with additional locations in Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange County, Calif. The company is locally owned and operated.

From left: Keith Lofton, Community Resource Center (CRC); Chris Wood, San Diego Self Storage (SDSS); Janice Hammack, CRC; Deanne St. Marseille, SDSS; Sandra Flores, SDSS; and Kelvin Ekekeugbor, CRC