Beyond Self Storage (BSS), which operates 18 facilities in eight states, has partnered with Detroit-based Gleaners Community Food Bank. The companies will work together on local events and promote each other’s charitable missions via social media. BSS will also collect new and gently used items that will be auctioned to raise money on behalf of Gleaners. The operator will even host “drive-thru drives” at its Michigan locations in Commerce Township, Macomb, Rochester Hills and Sterling Heights, during which participants can drop off items without ever having to leave their vehicles, according to a press release.

On Feb. 14, Gleaners registered with Charity Storage, a nonprofit that helps self-storage operators raise funds for altruistic causes. BSS will place the donated items it collects into a dedicated charitable unit, which will later be auctioned through StorageTreasures.com, an online self-storage auction service.

“Partnering with organizations like Beyond Self Storage, that employ passionate team members and have a growing presence in the region, is important as we unify the community in our fight to end food insecurity,” said Terry Collia, director of marketing for Gleaners. “Whether it’s through signing up for volunteer shifts or by raising funds for Gleaners via their Charity Storage auctions, Beyond Self Storage has shown a willingness to step up and support the people of Southeastern Michigan.”

“We love finding opportunities to be a great partner with philanthropies that serve the communities we serve,” added Lara Anderson, director of marketing for BSS. “We want to establish ourselves as community partners.”

Founded in 1977, Gleaners is recognized as one of the first food banks in the United States. It operates five distribution centers in Southeast Michigan, which provide nutrition education to 171,000 children annually. Every dollar donated provides meals to the community, the release stated.

BSS operates facilities in Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Pennsylvania. It plans to expand into five more states and reach more than 40 locations in 10 markets by 2020. The portfolio is owned by NorthPoint Development, a development, management and leasing firm that’s principally focused on the industrial, multi-family, senior living and self-storage markets in the Central United States.