Self-storage operator Security Public Storage has become a sponsor of Charity Storage, a nonprofit organization that raises money for charities through self-storage auctions. Created by Lance Watkins, founder of the self-storage auction site StorageTreasures.com, Charity Storage donates the proceeds from self-storage lien sales to local and national charities.

Participating storage operators dedicate a storage unit from inventory as a collection point for donated goods. Departing and current tenants, auction buyers, and local residents and businesses can donate items to the Charity Storage unit and receive a tax-deductible receipt. When the storage facility holds a public auction, the unit is sold alongside tenant-delinquent units, and the money generated is allocated to local and national charities.

Lets face it, self-storage auctions and having to sell peoples goods is one of the lowest parts of our industry, said Ben Eisler, co-founder of Security Public Storage. Charity Storage represents an opportunity to use the auction process to redirect the funds raised to people who really need it.

Charity Storage was created when Watkins and Barry Hoeven, founder and owner of Westport Properties and the nonprofit Kure It Cancer Research, saw the popularity of self-storage auctions grow and realized the industry could give back to society. The net proceeds from each sale are split three ways: 10 percent goes to the Self Storage Association Foundation, which provides scholarships to students with a connection to the self-storage industry; 30 percent goes to Kure It; and the remainder goes to a local or national charity chosen by the participating self-storage operator.

Building a positive image is so important and every company strives for it, Eisler said. Self-storage has been building such a positive image as an industry over the years to where it is now exceptionally strong on Wall Street. Anything that helps that image stay strong is good, and when Barry told me about Charity Storage it appealed to me right away.

Security Public Storage is a forward-looking organization that has a firm grasp on what matters in self-storage. And Ben is a terrific leader who always has an eye and ear on the pulse of the industry, Hoeven said. Having the support of Security Public Storage validates even more what we are trying to accomplish with Charity Storage.

Founded in 1983, Security Public Storage is family-owned and operated with 43 self-storage facilities in California, Nevada and the Washington, D.C., metro area.

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