Lock Haven University partnered with the Clinton County United Way, Wayne Township Landfill, and Love’s Disposal to host a Trash-to-Treasure event in May. Items donated by students and local community members were sold, yard sale style, and 100 percent of the proceeds went to the United Way.
The event raised over $3,500, and in addition to the monetary benefit, the landfill was freed from receiving a list of items. Over 1500 nonperishable food items were donated to local food banks, 18 tons of items were donated to the Salvation Army, three rollback truckloads of electronics and books were recycled, and 36 ton of items were sold.
The program has many benefits: it raises funds for the United Way, reduces move-out waste expense for the University, helps the environment, and enhances town/university relations. Coordinators plan to make it an annual event.
Susan Blesh, United Way Board Member and LHU liaison for the program, stated, “We are thrilled with the outcome, and look forward to continual success on an annual basis. As the students moved out, they were provided the opportunity to donate their reusable items rather than leaving them behind for the dumpster.”
Blesh added, “This was the first year we held such an event; we feel as the event grows, the community will see less debris on streets. It is the United Way’s hope to offer off-campus students pick-up services in 2013 to assist with the donation process. “
The success of the first Trash-to-Treasure event was the result of teamwork and collaboration. Blesh said, “The event was successful thanks to the help from volunteers, and LHU employees and students. The United Way would like to thank those individuals along with Wayne Township Landfill and Love’s Disposal who graciously donated their hauling and dumping fees for the recycling and remaining debris.”