With "reality" programming like Storage Wars, Storage Hunters, and Auction Hunters, storage auctions have seen a distinct increase in popularity. It is an interesting phenomenon, this blend of recreation, thrift, and business. There's a social element, along with the excitement that comes with the hope of a great find or major score, that's led to these auctions being recreational for many attendees. Savvy business people with a sharp eye for bargains point to another trend on the rise today, thrift. This fairly sudden increase of interest in these types of auctions has allowed charities to benefit, with organizations capitalizing on that interest in their fund raising efforts.
There are a few forms that fund raising efforts associated with storage auctions tend to take. In some cases, a storage unit owner will set aside one or more storage units that are scheduled for auction. When those units are sold at auction, the money received is directly donated to a charity or organization. This type of fund raising is often used in very localized situations, such as raising money for an area child's medical bills or to meet some other specific need within the community. Sometimes, the charitable spirit continues with the winners of the bidding, who then resell the contents, also donating their proceeds.
Another way that storage auctions have been playing a role in fund raising for charity and causes is by hosting events. The facility owners and operators have all the elements in place to conduct a successful auction. Storage unit renters and others in the community donate goods, which are housed at the storage facility until the date of the auction. A small percentage of the proceeds from the auctioning of these goods go to cover the costs of the event, with the rest going to the particular charity or organization that the event is held for. Local food pantries, children's hospitals, and specific diseases, like cancer and leukemia are among the beneficiaries of these auctions.
Many storage facilities have really gotten into the spirit of it, and hold these types of events on a regular basis. In fact, there is an organization, Charity Storage, that helps facilitate these auctions throughout the nation, working in partnership with an ever increasing group of self storage facilities. Public interest in these auctions and the growing self storage business has led to friendly competition between facility owners regarding who can raise the most money for charity. That has led to campaigns that go beyond physical auctions to social media. In some cases, owners just want to give back to the communities. One California self storage company makes regular donations to such important organizations as Catholic Family Charities, Pacific Legal Foundation, and Blue Star Mothers of America.
Television programs tend to highlight the drama and excitement of the potential big score, focusing more on what people can get, how much money can be made. However, in the real world, storage auctions and the people that run them are doing a lot of good work. Across the nation, numerous charities and organizations are feeling the impact of these efforts. With a tight economy making it tough for many organizations to get the funding they need, the efforts of these self storage facilities are making a real difference.
For more information about storage auctions please visit AuctionsTX.com.
Travis Lane is the owner of Texas Storage Auction Schedules and News / AuctionsTX.com and a former professional storage auction buyer.
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