Charity's getting help from students moving
Many local charities are getting aid from students who live in residence halls.
As residents begin moving out, many items that are still in good order are being left for charities through the Residence Hall Charity Drive.
Though the Residence Hall Charity Drive doesn't officially begin until May 1, donations are already pouring in said Calkins Residence Hall Director Cathy Warner.
"We have eliminated I bet about 85 to 90 percent of stuff that would have been thrown away," Warner said.
Donations will be collected and distributed through Community Compassion Network. Local charities including Goodwill, Commission on Aging, Women's Aid Services and Habitat for Humanity will receive items. Donations will also be distributed internationally to Orphanage Outreach. Orphanage Outreach serves the people of Monte Cristi and Jaibon, Dominican Republican.
Students are encouraged to donate nonperishable food, appliances, furniture and household items.
"Half eaten box of cereal, we can't do anything with it," Warner said. "Go feed it to the squirrels."
However, individually packaged foods, such as bags of popcorn or granola bars, are okay.
Detroit sophomore Henry Hammond said the charity drive is a great chance to unload unneeded clothes while helping a good cause.
"It's better that someone get some use out of it, instead of them sitting in my closet and dry rotting," he said.
Barnes Hall Director Luanne Goffnett said Campus Dining helped along with Residence Life.
Residence Life provides transportation of the items to Mount Pleasant Community Church, where the items will be sorted and distributed.
"I'm just really proud to be a part of a community that cares bout these kinds of things, " Goffnett said.
She said the idea the underprivileged are disadvantaged by choice is completely untrue.
"Anybody that will humble themselves to come to one of our events has a need," she said.
Students interested in volunteering with the charity drive can sign up at volunteer.cmich.edu or by visiting the Community Compassion Network Web site: ccnhome.org.
For those interested in donating large items, such as carpet, furniture or lofts, pick up will begin Tuesday through May 9. Starting at 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., large items can be picked up by calling in advance 989-773-0043 or 989-506-2320.
For north and south campus residence, donate items to the lobby. For East Campus donate items to the shared lobby. For the Towers, donate to the Troutman Hall lounge.
studentlife@cm-life.com
