Industry Generosity: Self-Storage Becomes A Champion of Charity
Most businesses like to make their philanthropic efforts known to generate awareness for the cause and also bring positive attention to their brand. Some cynics may believe it’s done for publicity, not out of the goodness of someone’s heart, but that doesn’t stop companies from doing good deeds. One industry that does its part, often with very little fanfare, is self-storage.
Collectively, the self-storage sector has donated billions to charities and nonprofits. These contributions often go unnoticed because donations are tucked away, quite literally, in storage units. Facilities may donate space to charities or collect items in vacant units to auction off, with proceeds going to good causes. Why keep it quiet, especially in some communities where new self-storage developments sometimes face scrutiny or outright bans from city leaders?
For most in the industry, it’s not about recognition–it’s about gratitude and giving back. Owners and operators recognize their good fortune and simply want to support others or contribute to causes that they or their employees care about.
“As members of the community, I feel like giving back is our duty,” says Simon Berman, founder of Avenir Properties. “We firmly believe in doing well by doing good. It’s more than a motto—it’s how we operate.”
Dina Garcia, director of operations at SBS Construction, feels the same way. “We believe that giving back to our local community is not just a responsibility, it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. We also look for causes that our employees feel passionate about … When we all care about a cause, motivation goes through the roof.”
Now, it’s time to give credit where it’s due. At the end of this story, you’ll find a list of more than 120 self-storage and industry-adjacent companies that give back, whether through donations, free units, or time and manpower. It’s not comprehensive by any means, but it highlights the meaningful impact this industry has and proves why self-storage shouldn’t be dismissed as lacking “community enrichment or value,” as one councilman recently put it when blocking a new development.
Charity Storage Starts
Founded in 2011 by Lance Watkins of Tenant, Inc. and the late Barry Hoeven of Westport Properties, Charity Storage squirrels away donated and abandoned items in vacant partner units, eventually auctioning them off on site or online via StorageTreasures.com or a similar platform. Sixty percent goes to the operator’s chosen charity, 20 percent to Kure It Cancer Research, and 10 percent to the Self Storage Association Foundation Scholarship Program. The remaining 10 percent is used to cover expenses. “Every self-storage operator has at least one vacant or non-desirable unit that they can set aside as a charity unit, and we’ve made it easier than ever for them to give back,” says Mario Macaluso, program director.
National Self Storage is among many companies involved with Charity Storage. At its Dove Mountain location in Marana, Ariz., the team supports Las Milpitas, a six-acre community farm operated by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, part of Feeding America. “What they’re doing for the community is great,” says manager Josh Padilla. “They’re making healthy, homegrown food more accessible to low-income families.”
The facility sets aside one 10-by-10 unit to collect donated items from incoming and outgoing tenants. When filled, they auction it through StorageTreasures, with proceeds going to Charity Storage and divvied up accordingly. “The auctions have become so popular that sometimes we’re hosting two at once,” Padilla adds.
StorageGives Grows
Another way self-storage companies make a positive impact is through StorageGives. Founded in 2020 by entrepreneur and self-storage veteran Lonnie Bickford, StorageGives offers owner-operators three ways to give: direct donations, attending live events with silent auctions, or facilitating unit auctions through StorageAuctions.com and donating a percentage of earnings.
“I’m thrilled to connect the storage industry to worthy causes worldwide,” says Bickford. “Through StorageGives, the self-storage industry is making a big, positive impact on people’s lives.”
Although StorageAuctions.com was purchased by Storable in June 2024, StorageGives Volunteer Director Melissa Huff, who co-owns Lighthouse Storage Solutions with her husband Josh Huff, says nothing has changed except access to Storable’s cutting-edge tech.
“StorageGives still operates as it always has,” Huff confirms. “We remain a non-profit, and none of the donated money goes to StorageGives. All of our partners are closely vetted, so that when you give, your money supports the cause directly, not C-suite salaries.”
“Partnering with StorageGives allows us to make a real difference while uniting our industry around a greater purpose,” says AJ Ross, CEO of Universal Storage Group. “Giving back is part of our DNA.”
Future Focused
While many self-storage facilities offer free storage units for charitable causes, storage-adjacent companies often lend a hand in different ways. TLW Construction, for example, which has built all types of self-storage facilities over the years, was able to assist with the development of the Polaris Academy in Arizona. Founded in 2024 by Nathan Palmer, the school gives autistic children an opportunity to socialize and thrive in an environment designed for their needs. “Our dream has now become a reality,” says Palmer. “I’m very happy that TLW is being recognized for helping us out.”
While TLW builds schools, storage tech platform Storable plants seeds for the future. Partnering with Evertreen, each tree planted in the Storable Forest reduces carbon emissions and supports local growers’ jobs. To date, Storable has planted 190 trees across 17 countries, absorbing 78 tons of CO₂ and creating valuable work hours for farmers.
Keeping Score
Many self-storage companies sponsor local youth sports teams, such as StorQuest. The company recently launched a nationwide initiative to partner with youth sports programs, but it’s not just about logo placement, says Joy Martin, StorQuest field marketing manager. “This is about showing up for the communities that support us, helping kids stay active, and giving them the resources to succeed on and off the field.”
While Boxwell may be known for its customized, portable storage containers, the company is also making a name for itself through its generosity. CEO Rod Bolls, an avid outdoorsman, freely gives to organizations and events that keep people active, like sports clubs and complexes, university athletics, and community leagues. “Success isn’t just business growth,” says Bolls. “It’s about the impact we make. Whether through donations, resources, or volunteer work, we’re committed to lasting connections and supporting causes that matter.”
Others partner with major league teams, like StorageMart and the Kansas City Chiefs in Missouri and the Toronto Maple Leafs in Canada. Part of the deal with the Chiefs includes the StorageMart Tackle Tracker; for every tackle, StorageMart donates to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “StorageMart and the Chiefs are local brands with deep Midwestern roots and a shared mission to give back, not just here in Missouri but nationwide and globally,” says StorageMart CEO Cris Burnam.
International Inspiration
From the Great White North to the Far East, industry giving goes beyond the U.S. Bluebird Self Storage in Canada is a perfect example. “It’s not just about the bottom line for Bluebird,” says Chief of Staff Denee Burns. “Our leadership has heart and caring that sets them apart.”
Bluebird supports over 65 charities and has donated 165 units (about 18,000 square feet) on a near-permanent basis across its portfolio. Their strongest partnership is with Shelter Movers, a national charity providing free moving and storage services to women and families fleeing abuse. “Partnering with Shelter Movers was a natural fit,” says CEO Jason Koonin. “They need space, and if there’s one thing storage companies have, it’s space.”
Two brands under Asia’s General Storage Company umbrella have also found unique ways to give back. Since 2021, Lock+Store Singapore has sponsored storage space for Ray of Hope, a crowdfunding charity providing high-value and bulky items to families in need, while The Store House Hong Kong has been supporting Hong Kong Dog Rescue since 2023. This year it raised 300,000 yen for the charity through dog-themed swag sales at Self Storage Expo Asia 2025 in Tokyo.
“We believe businesses must give back to the communities they serve,” says CEO Helen Ng. “By sponsoring storage space and raising funds, we empower organizations that truly make a difference.”
Kure It
To date, Kure It Cancer Research, also founded by Barry Hoeven in 2007, has raised $5 million to support underfunded cancer research. Although part of Charity Storage, it also raises money through its “Roundup For Research” program.
“Roundup For Research is designed exclusively for the self-storage industry,” says Director of Strategy and Development Brook Adams. “Facilities, owners, and tenants can make one-time or recurring donations, as little as 50 cents a month. Customers ‘round up’ their total purchase and donate the difference to Kure It. Every cent goes to cutting-edge cancer projects.”
Karen Reggio, chief of staff with Storelocal, which supports Kure It and Charity Storage, says the storage industry has already made a significant impact and is poised to do even more. “Kure It funds innovative, project-based research and reports back its findings, which is really powerful to see,” she says. “Now imagine the impact if every operator added 50 cents a month to their rates to give to this cause!”
Dealing With Disaster
When disaster strikes, there is one constant: U-Haul offering 30 days of free storage at participating facilities plus free U-Box rentals when available. The company partners with the military and local police and fire departments to deliver relief supplies, even becoming an official Red Cross Disaster Responder in 2015. This gives the Red Cross access to U-Haul’s range of resources, including equipment and storage across 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces.
“When people are in a jam, when disaster strikes, our hearts go out to them,” says U-Haul CEO Joe Shoen. “We don’t want their money. We have the space, so we let them have it.”
Others have followed on a case-by-case basis. For example, many in the industry came together to lend a hand when catastrophic flooding swept across Central Texas on Independence Day this year. “Volunteers are using my trucks and storing stuff in my warehouse,” CJ Stratte, CEO of On The Move, said over a quick call. “We’ve also been coordinating the delivery of relocatable units and generators.”
Stratte also teamed up with Mark Cieri, CEO of StorageDefender, to make an even greater impact. “These people are in my thoughts and in my prayers, but actions speak louder than words,” says Cieri. To that point, Stratte says that by working together the duo can have more boots on the ground in no time.
Sizable Support
Whether through large-scale programs or small, local partnerships, self-storage companies are making meaningful contributions in their own ways.
Although it’s the largest self-storage REIT, Extra Space Storage is not one to rest on its laurels, creating its own community impact programs focused on volunteerism and charitable giving. “Corporate employees receive paid volunteer time off to help out causes that are important to them,” says Grace Houser, communications specialist, noting that in 2024 team members volunteered over 800 hours to various charities. “We also have an employer donation matching program and employee engagement charity activities.”
As a corporation, Extra Space does have specific organizations it partners with, such as Tree Utah, Ticket to Dream, and Feeding America. “In 2024 alone, the Extra Space team donated 140,000 meals to Feeding America,” says Houser. “And we donate thousands of dollars’ worth of storage space each year to numerous charities across the country.”
At the other end of the spectrum is Stephanie Mini Storage, a single-location facility in Las Vegas that’s just as committed to making a difference with the resources they have. The company partners with the Healing Hearts Movement, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting homelessness and reuniting families, among others. “We volunteer our time each month and provide a complimentary 10-by-20 unit to support their work,” says manager Merlette.
Other companies let individual facilities decide which charity to support, like StoragePlus, with eight locations across Idaho and Utah. “I chose City of Light because the service they provide is invaluable to abused and neglected women and children,” says one operator. Another states, “In the daily course of managing a facility, I encounter those who are struggling [to make ends meet]. I chose Murray’s Children’s Pantry because it supports those who are in need.”
Properties under third-party management with Haviland Storage Services also select charities on their own outside of Charity Storage. Support is broad, from Toys for Tots and Tunnel to Towers to Susan G. Komen and the Gary Sinise Foundation. “Letting them choose which charities they want to support is empowering and motivating,” says owner Sue Haviland.
Finally, there are those industry stalwarts who give back just because that’s the type of person they are. Scott Holland, regional sales manager with StoragePRO, volunteers at the local VA hospital, giving rides to wounded warriors in his golf cart. He recently began driving a 90-year-old Korean War veteran around campus who was sent home from duty three months early in 1952 after taking shrapnel to his leg. “The wound still bothers him, but not as much as having to accept a ride,” Holland says with a laugh. “Every time I pick him up, it’s the same thing: ‘The nurse is making me do this; I can walk!’ He’s not technically part of The Greatest Generation, but he’s definitely a hero.”
Chris Sonne, executive vice president with Newmark Valuation & Advisory, is another good Samaritan, donating 10 percent of his income to charity and church (First United Methodist Church of Seal Beach, Calif.), as well as Kure It and a university scholarship fund. He also spends Wednesday evenings feeding the hungry at a local food bank and dedicates one week per year to disaster relief, repairing homes and yards. “I enjoy hands-on work and interacting with those who’ve been impacted,” says Sonne.
Big or small, owner operated or third-party managed, or just giving on a personal level, these companies and individuals share the same purpose: using their resources to strengthen their community.
A Legacy Of Charity
The self-storage industry is proving that true success is measured not just in square footage or profits but in the people it touches and the goodwill earned. “The one thing I’ve noticed about people … most want to help,” says Macaluso. “It’s really about educating them on how to engage.”
Complementing that thought is Tim Dietz, president of the Self Storage Association, who recently told MSM, “Beyond just storing belongings, [self-storage] provides opportunities for communities to thrive and support one another.”
That’s exactly what’s happening. The self-storage sector has quietly transformed itself into a force for good, making a difference in lives and changing minds when it comes to the value self-storage brings to a community. For an industry grounded in the word “self” to become truly selfless is all the more impressive.
Champions of Charity
Here’s a look at more than 120 self-storage companies, vendors, and suppliers that give back to their community. Note: To keep our list manageable, state self-storage associations are not included, though they regularly donate to charity. Just last year, for example, the Texas Self Storage Association brought its lifetime donations to Shriners Children’s Hospital to a whopping $2.7 million!
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