Students Donate Nearly 8,000 Pounds During Move Out

As students move out of their residence halls at the end of the academic year, sustainNU sets up “Take It or Leave It” boxes to collect unwanted clothing and food for donation to local charities. This year nearly 8,000 pounds were collected—and kept out of our waste stream!

The more than 7,500 pounds of clothing collected were donated to Connections for the Homeless, an Evanston non-profit that provides resources and shelter to those experiencing homelessness. The large volume of clothing contained a seasonal variety, including much needed winter gear.

Hail Khalaf, Volunteer Coordinator at Connections for the Homeless said, “We have neither received, nor expected that big of a donation from anybody. Northwestern’s donation has impacted the daily life of our participants in the best way possible, not just now but throughout the entire year. This support is helping us end homelessness one person at a time.”

Campus Kitchens at Northwestern (CKNU), a student-run group that provides food to community members in need, received over 200 pounds from the Take It or Leave It effort. The donations helped to fill bags of groceries for families served. These donations are particularly helpful at a time of year when many of the dining halls are closed, supporting CKNU’s service to clients throughout the summer.

“This effort helps to create some good from our excess by supporting those in need,” said Julie Cahillane, Sustainability Associate Director. “I am thrilled to see these items stay local, benefiting our Evanston community.”

Thanks to support from Residential Services, Facilities, sustainNU and all of the students who donated, unwanted items are put to good use in the community and waste from move-out is reduced.