Westport Properties/US Storage Centers Donates $10K to Charity

Westport Properties Inc. (WPI), which operates more than 120 self-storage facilities under the US Storage Centers brand, has donated $10,000 as an “Angel Sponsor” to Charity Storage, a nonprofit that uses vacant storage units to raise money for local causes. The donation will support charity auctions and extend the organization’s industry outreach, according to a press release.

Charity Storage was co-founded in 2012 by WPI founder Barry Hoeven, who served as chairman on the board of directors until he died of kidney cancer in June 2016. “Although Barry is no longer with us, his passion for giving back to the community is still deeply rooted in Westport’s culture,” said Mike Brady, chief operations officer for WPI. “Our team is focused on making a difference, and it is evident by what they have been able to accomplish. Charity Storage allows our team to give back while they are at work, and what they are doing is benefiting a lot of people.”

To participate with the nonprofit, storage operators dedicate a storage unit as a collection point for donated goods. They then hold a public auction and donate a portion of the revenue. Sixty percent is allocated to a charity chosen by the storage operator; 20 percent is given to Kure It Cancer Research, a non-profit organization that raises money for underfunded cancer research; and the remaining 20 percent is split between the Self Storage Association Foundation Scholarship Program and underwriting administrative costs for Charity Storage. To date, the group has raised more than $500,000, the release stated.

Founded in 1985, WPI is a fully integrated operator that develops, acquires and manages its own portfolio as well as provides third-party management services. It has more than 10 million rentable square feet under management and employs 400 people nationwide. WPI is also a founding partner of the nonprofit Kure-It.