By Hannah Lutz
Over the school year students collect items that cannot always be taken home with them. Stacks of clothing, furniture, bikes and many other items are simply too large to pack into a vehicle.
As a result, students often throw the items into the trash, but there are ways to help others with unwanted or unneeded items.
The tornadoes that swept through Alabama in April left thousands of people in need of help. Heather Dragg, junior physiology major, and other Union students collected clothing, storage containers, food and school supplies and delivered them to Alabama for the tornado relief effort.
“There will be a huge need for the victims in Alabama even after school is out,” Dragg said. “I know Union students are willing to give.”
Another way to aid the South’s tornado victims is by donating to “Care + 1,” a student-led organization, in partnership with UnWorthy Servants ministries. On May 13–14, from 5–9 p.m. in the Bowld Student Commons, donations of cases of water or Gatorade, plus $1 for travel expenses, will be collected by the organization.
On Friday from 3–4:30 p.m. the Bowld Commons will be hosting the Bowld Market. The Bowld Market gives students a place and time to sell unwanted items. Students can reserve a table, and items can be pre-priced or bartered. For more information join the Facebook event “Bowld Market”-(Student Yard Sale).
Locally, organizations such as Regional Inter-faith Association and Goodwill Industries are always seeking donations. RIFA, located in downtown Jackson, accepts clothing, furniture, food, books, toys and other gently used items.
RIFA is open to receive donations Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
T.J. Clanin, RIFA thrift store employee, said the only way to keep the doors open at RIFA is through donations from the community.
Goodwill has two stores in Jackson and various donation drop-off points throughout the city. Goodwill takes donations of all kinds.
“I believe in donating,” Clanin said. “It gives you a sense of pride to help someone out and it feels good.”
Another way to successfully clean out apartments for the summer is to remember to be environmentally friendly and recycle old paper, plastic and aluminum. Recycling bins and bags are available across campus.
