by John Stevens
August 2, 2011 6:20 PM
Let’s be honest. We live in a world chock full of individuals. More and more things can be done without ever having to come in much contact with other people. Social interaction has given way to the world of self-serve. As Robert Putnam would say, we live in a world where it is becoming common to bowl alone.
While the business of the self storage industry is all about providing individuals and their families with a very specific need, the meaning of the word ‘self’ ends with the type of service that is provided.
The majority of self storage companies are about much more than the ‘self.’ Social responsibility is the cornerstone upon which many self storage facilities operate.
Westy Self Storage is a good example of this concept. The company, which is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and with 16 facilities spread across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, it has made it a practice to be heavily involved within the community. In 2009, the company’s 16 self storage facilities helped out 91 charities.
The company has been involved in a wide variety of tasks. One of their more recent one has involved collecting school supplies for children in need. The goal is to make sure that 500 school children get the supplies they need for school.
When the people of Haiti were ravaged by an earthquake, they were quick to join aid reliefs by starting up a donation drive at all 16 facilities in January 2010. In the end about 1200 boxes of supplies were sent to the island nation.
Even though they were located far away from the BP oil spill, they still did their part to collect supplies that could be used to help in the clean-up of the Gulf Coast area.
They have also been known to look after the animals when they can. A couple years ago they teamed up with a local alcohol merchant to host what was called “Ruff Draught,” a beer tasting. Admission was $35 and all proceeds went directly to helping the East Hanover Animal Shelter.
"We are so grateful to our good neighbor Westy Self Storage for providing the venue for our event, and, of course to Gary’s Wine and Marketplace for providing the fine beverages," said Michelle Chalmers Morris, Development Director at Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter. "Without the help of such caring organizations, our fundraising efforts will not be nearly as successful."
Westy Self Storage is just one example of the fine charity work that is done at self storage facilities around the country all year long.
Sources Used:
“Westy Self Storage in New Jersey Collects School Supplies.” Inside Self Storage; 02 August 2011.
“Westy Self Storage Collecting Tools for Oil Cleanup on Gulf Coast.” Self Storage Industry News; 23 June 2010.
“Westy Self Storage Announces Results of Haiti Donation Drive.” Self Storage Industry News; 02 April 2010.
“Westy Self Storage Helped 91 Charities in 2009.” Self Storage Industry News; 19 February 2010.
“Westy Self Storage Co-hosts Beer Bash for NJ Animal Shelter.” Self Storage Industry News; 18 October 2009.