Cleaning Up for Charity

As the semester winds down, students are packing up and giving back. Through May 12 more than 8,000 students living in university residence halls can donate reusable items to local nonprofits through convenient donation sites on campus.

“When students move from campus, they often have more than they brought to campus,” said Analis Fulghum, manager of NC State’s Waste Reduction and Recycling. “Pack N Give provides an easy way for them to donate unwanted items they might have thrown away.”

In its third year, Pack N Give is a partnership between Waste Reduction and Recycling and University Housing to reduce waste sent to landfills and also to benefit the community. Dorcas Ministries and the Green Chair Project are two local nonprofits that distribute the donations to individuals and families in need.

“These items don’t have to be thrown away. They have another life ahead of them in homes where they are needed,” said Jackie Craig, co-founder of the Green Chair Project. “Donations are put directly into the homes of people who are transitioning from homelessness or out of crisis.”

From futons and side tables to bedding and small appliances, student donations last spring included nearly 23,500 pounds of clothing, furniture, small appliances, non-perishable food and electronics.

“Pack N Give keeps tons from the landfill, but it also helps others,” said Susan Grant, director of University Housing. “Residents see the impact of their donations and have a deeper understanding of local needs and how, in this program, they can support others.”

Donations are accepted at any of the 13 donations sites, which are provided in partnership with Pack Rat. Large donation boxes are also available upon request from Waste Reduction and Recycling.