Guardian Storage, which operates 25 self-storage facilities in Colorado and Pennsylvania, is executing a company-wide donation drive through Nov. 30 to support local shelters. The operator is partnering with national nonprofits One Warm Coat and Knock Knock Give a Sock to collect and distribute clean, gently worn coats and new socks of all sizes, which will be accepted at any Guardian location. It’s the first of many initiatives under the company’s new philanthropic program, Guardian Gives, according to a press release.
“We are excited about our upcoming coat and sock drive to help kickoff our Guardian Gives program and hope the community will support us,” said Steven Cohen, Guardian’s founder and president. “There are currently 39 million Americans living in poverty and struggling to pay their bills and support their families, many unable to provide basic essentials like a warm coat and socks. With the help of our partners and local communities, our goal is to provide 2,500 pairs of new socks and 2,500 gently worn coats by the end of the program.”
One Warm Coat distributed more than 500,000 coats across North America last year to children, women and men, said Beth W. Amodio, its CEO and president. “It’s because of our incredible volunteers that so many people receive the gift of warmth each year. The health effects of extreme cold are life-threatening. Thanks to Guardian Storage’s efforts, many people in their surrounding communities will be safe and protected this winter.”
Guardian is also giving back in other ways. Its employees volunteer time and resources to support dozens of community events and nonprofits such as The Education Partnership, Kids in Need Foundation, A Precious Child, local food banks and more. Facilities also host free document-shredding and electronics-recycling events, and offer free conference space to community members. In addition, the operator has a partnership with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to plant community gardens, the release stated.
“Children and families have always been a priority at Guardian,” Cohen said. “We believe strong families come from strong communities. Our new Guardian Gives program will be supported by three major giving pillars: educating our youth, neighbors in need and green communities. We’re introducing Guardian Gives as a way to remind the community that when we come together, positive change can be made.”
Established in Pittsburgh in 1987, Guardian operates 18 locations in the greater Pittsburgh area, with a new property under construction in North Strabane, Pa., and six locations in Colorado.
One Warm Coat is a national nonprofit that provides free jackets to any person in need and raises awareness of the vital need for warm coats. Over the past 27 years, it has worked with volunteers to give away more than 6 million coats.
Founded in 2014, Knock Knock is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Manhattan, N.Y. It received the “2019 Award for Humanitarian Service” from Urban Pathways, which provides services and support to the state’s homeless.
