Manhattan Mini Storage, which operates 17 self-storage facilities throughout New York City, is once again partnering with the Coalition for the Homeless for “Project: Back to School,” a donation drive to supply children living in shelters with backpacks and other supplies for the upcoming school year. The self-storage company donated several extra-large boxes to the coalition, and all of its locations will serve as collection centers for donated items through Aug. 28. Manhattan Mini is also using its LED signs and social media pages to support the campaign and is one of the program’s key sponsors.
“For eight years now, Manhattan Mini Storage has been partnering with the Coalition on ‘Project: Back to School’ to help thousands of homeless kids walk into their first day of school feeling prepared and confident,” said Dave Giffen, executive director of the Coalition for the Homeless. “Girls and boys living in homeless shelters must contend with unimaginable levels of stress and hardship, and are at a tremendous disadvantage when trying to keep up with their housed peers in school. While something as simple as a quiet place to do homework each night is out of reach of so many homeless youth, we can at least make sure these great kids have the supplies they need to start the school year off right.”
There are more than 24,000 New York City kids currently living in homeless shelters, according to a Manhattan Mini press release. These youngsters often lack the tools any child needs, including basic essentials such as pens, pencils and notebooks.
“We believe every child has the right to a solid education,” said Stacy Stuart, executive vice president of marketing and human resources at Edison Properties, the parent company of Manhattan Mini Storage. “And as a longtime New York City company, we’re committed to helping our community in any way we can. We also know that the people who store with us want to help these kids succeed, and that’s why we always get so many donations for ‘Project: Back to School.’”
The Coalition for the Homeless is the nation’s oldest advocacy and direct-service organization helping homeless men, women and children. Founded in 1981, it provides emergency food and clothing, eviction prevention, crisis services, permanent housing, job training, and special programs for homeless youth.
Edison Properties is a family-owned business that also operates Edison ParkFast, a network of 40 garages and lots throughout Baltimore, New York City and Northeast New Jersey. Edison's properties include workspace offices, executive offices and pre-built suites, The Hippodrome office building, and The Ludlow, a luxury residential high-rise on the Lower East Side.
