The end of the year is quickly approaching and it is almost time to say goodbye and good luck to the class of 2013. As students move out of their residence halls, they often leave some of their belongings behind. Items left behind include food, clothing, furniture, bedding, kitchen utensils, books, and toiletries. Often these items are in excellent condition and can be treasures for many charitable organizations in our community. Thankfully the COVE’s end-of-the-year Salvage program is here to reclaim and distribute what is left behind.
Student Volunteers
At the end of each academic year, COVE volunteers tour residence halls and apartments on campus to collect unwanted and donated materials left by students. Volunteers collect, sort, and organize items for more than 30 local non-profit organizations to “shop” — at no cost — for items needed to cover their core functions and services.
Last year, 47 Colgate volunteers spent more than 470 hours collecting and sorting items. The estimated value of all salvaged items put into the hands of people who need them amounted to $23,000. The organizations we work with serve individuals who receive much-needed supplies to furnish transitional housing, provide warm clothing, bedding and educational materials, and stock food pantry shelves for our neighbors.
Besides being of valuable service to our community partners, COVE’s Salvage program avoided about 33 tons of landfill waste last year!
Student donations pile up in Starr Rink.
This year the Salvage program will take place from May 10 – 16 for underclassmen housing areas and May 20 – 24 for senior housing areas. The COVE needs staff volunteers to make this happen. Join the Colgate Salvage effort by donating your used and unwanted items. Please contact Colleen Nassimos (cnassimos@colgate.edu; x6880) with any questions and to volunteer your time in this effort.