Cuboid builds the world’s largest charity Advent calendar.

While December is a peak season for the moving and storage industry, one UK operator has found a novel way to put its core asset - the shipping container - to work for good.

Cuboid Self Storage has constructed what it calls the “world’s largest charity Advent calendar”, a 34ft-high, 48ft-wide installation built entirely from 24 steel self-storage containers at its head office in Chorley, Lancashire. Each unit has been transformed into a giant numbered advent "door", illuminated with festive lights and filled to the roof with donated gifts.

From 1 December through Christmas Eve, Cuboid is opening one container per day and distributing its contents to children and families across the Northwest. In total, the campaign is expected to benefit up to 20,000 children, supporting charities such as Chorley Youth Zone, Endeavour Project in Bolton and Millbank Wellbeing in Preston.

Although the structure was officially unveiled by TV presenter and former Olympian Sam Quek, Cuboid also sees the star of the campaign as the container itself - a familiar piece of hardware in the moving and storage world, but here repurposed as a large-scale logistics tool for charitable distribution.

Containers as community infrastructure
For movers and storage operators, Cuboid’s initiative highlights the versatility of containerised storage. In this case, each unit becomes a secure, weatherproof depot for sorting, holding and moving gifts. The modular design also allowed Cuboid to physically assemble the Advent calendar in a matter of days - something that would be far more complex using traditional structures.

Tim Knowles, Managing Director at FI Real Estate, said the project demonstrates how storage facilities can be leveraged for social value: “It’s an honour and a privilege to support families and people in need this Christmas. The whole Cuboid team has done a great job, and I’m really proud of the result.”

The campaign is run in partnership with Cash for Kids, with Cuboid’s Chorley site also serving as the Lancashire headquarters for the charity’s Mission Christmas 2025 initiative. Members of the public can arrange a visit to see the installation and drop off gifts, with all contributors entered into a festive prize draw.

Seasonal reminder of need
While the spectacle of 24 towering containers attracts attention, its purpose is firmly practical. According to Laura Charlton, Regional Charity Manager at Mission Christmas, the campaign offers essential support during a time when many families are choosing between basic living costs. “So much more than just an Advent calendar,” she confirms, “this campaign is a daily reminder that Christmas should be magical for every child. With Cuboid’s help we’re able to provide a range of gifts per child. It may sound simple, but it makes a real difference.”

For the storage industry, Cuboid’s project serves as a case study in how container-based operations can contribute to community resilience, not just commercial logistics. It reinforces the message that containers aren’t only an asset for moving goods - they can also be a vehicle for delivering joy.

Get Involved
Daily updates will be shared on Cuboid’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels.

Details on how to donate, visit the calendar or enter the prize draw can be found here.

Photos: 
Top - Each container is filled to the roof with donated gifts.
Bottom - TV presenter and former Olympian, Sam Quek, unveiled the structure.