Published: 05/17/2023
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.
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 abatta001@gannon.edu 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
The following off-campus locations will accept furniture, clothing, homeware, decor, cookware, lamps and more.
Goodwill, 7200 Peach Street, (814) 305-6002
Cobb’s Second Time Around Thrift Store, 1215 Parade Street, (814) 445-4068
Green Scene Thrift Store, 1301 E Grandview Blvd., (814) 580-1074
(Does not accept furniture)
Habitat for Humanity Restore, 4922 Pittsburgh Ave., (814) 464-8946
(Does not accept clothing)
Salvation Army, 1209 Sassafras Street, (814) 456-4237 and 1944 Keystone Dr., 1-800-728-7825