Self-storage operator Storage Post Self Storage took an active role in assisting New York and New Jersey's victims of Hurricane Sandy by participating in local charity coat drives. The company collected more than 900 gently used coats during November and December.

The charities, Jersey Cares and New York Cares, host an annual drive to collect coats of all sizes for men, women and children in need. Storage Post facilities in those states acted as a coat-collection site, with exterior marketing and special donation boxes.

"We were eager to assist with the coat drives again this year after such a successful collection in 2011. Storm Sandy motivated us all the more because we knew so many peoplecustomers, employees, family memberswho had suffered damage and were not ready for the cold weather," said Jack Chaney, chief operating officer. "We hope all of the coats donated and distributed by Jersey Cares and New York Cares truly help people get through the winter."

In addition to collecting coats, Storage Post operated as a drop-off hub for local groups needing a delivery service. The company offered a complimentary Storage Post truck and driver to help groups deliver their donations to the Jersey Cares and New York Cares warehouses. By the end of December, Storage Post had delivered nearly 2,000 coats combined from both group drop-offs and in-store collections.

Groups across New York helped New York Cares reach a record-breaking 2012 collection total, with more than 120,000 coats donated and distributedan increase of more than 40,000 coats from last year's numbers. Jersey Cares also collected thousands of coats to warm individuals and families across New Jersey.

Established in 1993, Jersey Cares is a nonprofit organization that recruits and engages volunteers in efforts that address community-identified needs. It is an affiliate of Hands on Network, an alliance of volunteer catalysts throughout the world.

New York Cares is the city's largest volunteer organization, operating volunteer programs for 1,300 nonprofits, city agencies and public schools.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Storage Post has locations along the East Coast and throughout the South, and is actively pursuing self-storage acquisitions.

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