Gannon University Students Contribution Step Saves Items From Landfill
University events like move-out week can come and go without much thought. This year, however, Gannon students Kristen Heflin and Katie Jo Dybowski saw an opportunity to better their community and protect the environment.
As one of their class projects, Heflin and Dybowski organized an initiative to collect items that would otherwise be thrown away during move-out and donate them to local partners. Collection bins were placed in North, Finegan, Harborview, Wehrele and West Halls for student use. Items such as furniture, clothing, decor, cookware, lamps, and more were then donated to one of three donation centers including Green Scene Thrift Store, Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity Restore.
“This move-out donations project was something I was really passionate about,” said Heflin. “Katie and I personally checked in and helped out with the donation bins throughout the week and it felt great seeing how full they got. One student donated her refrigerator. A lot of great things were saved from a landfill death, and that makes me very happy.”
Heflin and Dybowski appreciate the support of their professors and fellow students, and hope this initiative continues for future move-out weeks. Not only would it help to reduce unnecessary waste going to the landfill but also support Gannon’s commitment to environmental issues.
See below for a local resource guide compiled by Heflin and Dybowski, complete with options to donate and up-cycle items instead of throwing them in the dumpster:
Gannon Career Closet: Palumbo Academic Building, Student Success Center
Accepted Items:
Business Clothing
Sweaters
Blouses
Dress Pants
Skirts
Dresses
Shoes
Ties
Button up shirts
Etc.
Store U-Knighted: Palumbo Academic Building Room 1209 or email [email protected] to schedule pick-up or drop-off days.
Accepted Items:
Unopened canned/packaged goods
Unused personal care items
Additionally, bins will be placed in campus housing for your gently used items:
North & Finegan, for Salvation Army
Harborview & Wehrle, for Green Scene Thrift Store
West Hall, for Habitat for Humanity Restore