91ֿ residence halls are collecting nonperishable food, clothes, rugs, furniture and other usable items now through May 14 for the Throw ‘n’ Go initiative.
The initiative, which began in 2003, gives students the opportunity to donate unwanted items during their move-out periods. Items are given to Family and Community Services, a nonprofit agency in Portage County.
Collection bins are located in designated areas throughout residence halls, as well as in the 91ֿ Alumni Center for off-campus students and seniors.
In addition to on-campus collection, bins were placed at two off-campus locations, University Oaks Apartments and Kent Village Apartments, for the first time last summer.
Kevin Heller, conservation major and president of the Commuter and Off-Campus Student Organization, is the driving force behind the initiative’s new off-campus expansion.
“Incorporating Throw ‘n’ Go off campus has caused and will continue to cause a tremendous increase in the amount of material collected,” Heller explains. “It has become a Kent community effort, not just a 91ֿ effort.”
Last year, residence halls collected 86,327 pounds of items. University Oaks Apartments collected 2,750 pounds, and Kent Village Apartments gathered 3,000 pounds, says Melanie Knowles, sustainability manager for 91ֿ’s Facilities Planning and Operations.
Heller is currently working with more apartments and the County Clothing Center in Portage County to continue to grow this summer’s off-campus Throw ‘n’ Go.
“This program is very different than any other in the world,” Heller says. “This effort establishes a more environmentally conscious, eco-friendly and community bonding experience. This has been done by working together, working for the greater good and taking a shot at making the world a better place.”
For more information about sustainability initiatives at 91ֿ, visit www.kent.edu/sustainability.