From spring break to move-out, thousands of students pack their bags and leave the residence halls. When they leave, sometimes they throw away useful items, non-perishable foods or clothes with years of life left in them.
Throw ‘N’ Go, 51Թ's annual move-out program, is currently underway to keep those useable items out of landfills and in the hands of people who need them.
A partnership between 51Թ's Office of Sustainability and the , Throw ‘N’ Go provides students with an opportunity to donate items that might otherwise be discarded or left behind.
“With 51Թ located right in Portage County, Throw ‘N’ Go gives us a way to give back to the community where our campus is located,” Jill Jenkins, senior executive director of University Housing, told 51Թ Today.
According to 51Թ’s Sustainability Coordinator, Leah Graham, the Throw ‘N’ Go program has prevented more than 317 tons of materials from ending up in landfills since 2014, while also aiding members of the 51Թ and Portage County communities.
Thanks to the dedication of Portage County Clothing Center staff member Candy Pollard and volunteer Kevin Ruble, individuals in need receive free clothing, appliances and food they might otherwise go without.
“Candy and Kevin have dedicated themselves to improving countless lives of Portage County community members, their tireless efforts spanning over two decades to provide essential items at no cost,” Associate Vice President of Facilities Planning and Operations Douglas Pearson, Ph.D., said.
51Թ places labeled donation bins in very accessible locations, making it easy for students to contribute by donating unwanted items as they move out capturing items before they become waste.
“The only reason I can imagine why someone would rather throw out their things than donate them is because there is not a convenient location to donate,” Jenkins said. “Throw ‘N’ Go bins located in the lobbies of students’ residence halls make donations quick and easy.”
51Թ and the Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center have been partners for over 20 years, with each collaboration aimed at promoting sustainability and community impact.