San Diego Self Storage (SDSS) donated the free use of two storage units at its Encinitas, Calif., facility in December to house items donated for the local Community Resource Center (CRC) holiday-baskets program. The fundraiser provided 6,000 residents with food, coats, blankets and toys for the holiday season. Items were distributed Dec. 19-21 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, Calif.

SDSS was contacted by CRC representatives to store 150 to 200 bicycles in advance of its distribution event, SDSS Managing Partner J. Terry Aston said in a company press release. The company provided storage for the bikes as well as a unit to store large pallets of nonperishable food. It also donated 200 toys for the event, Aston said.

As part of the holiday-baskets program, families can request one bike for a specific family member, said CRC spokesperson John Economides. The bikes are assigned based on availability, the family’s financial need, and the family’s past participation in the program.

CRC received discounts on nonperishable food items from local retailers, which led to the need for more storage. “We couldn't take advantage of this opportunity without the help provided by San Diego Self Storage, which allows us to can capitalize on these bulk savings and pass them along to our constituents.”

In addition to its annual holiday drive, CRC provides rental and shelter assistance, work programs, counseling, and a domestic-violence hotline.

Founded in 1972, SSDS has a network of 18 self-storage facilities in San Diego County and additional facilities in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The company is locally owned and operated.