Pack It Up & Pass It On readies for massive “shopping day”

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
June 5, 2007

More than 1,000 needy San Marcos residents will “shop” for free Thursday, June 7 as Texas State University’s annual recycling program, Pack It Up and Pass It On, culminates in a free distribution event when clients of United Way of Hays County agencies select from items donated by students living in the 21 residence halls and three university-owned apartment complexes.

Community Relations and Residence Life have teamed up with United Way of Hays County to sponsor the program, an annual way for students to donate items in good shape they no longer need to local needy families.

“It’s true recycling,” said Kim Porterfield, director of community relations at Texas State.  “Pack It Up and Pass It On matches unwanted items students might throw away at the end of the semester with local needy citizens who can use them.

“It also benefits the environment,” she said. “Dozens of carpets, egg-crate mattress cushions, electronics and small appliances make their way to folks who can use them, and landfills get a break. It’s significantly reduced dumpster diving on campus, which is very dangerous and results in garbage blowing across campus and into nearby residential and commercial areas.”

Community and campus volunteers are the backbone of the program.

“It’s a huge undertaking,” Porterfield said. “We count on San Marcos and campus community volunteers and support to make this happen. Volunteers ‘adopt’ residence halls, visiting daily to collect items.  Then volunteers unload the items at the ballroom and spend two days sorting it.”

Collection barrels are placed in each residence hall and university apartment complexes just before finals begin.  Students donate clothes, shoes, books, carpets, linens, kitchen items, or anything else reusable and in good condition.

Local volunteers help collect and store items. This week, volunteers are unloading and sorting items on more than 100 tables set up in the LBJ Student Center Ballroom.    

Call Texas State Community Relations at 245-9645 or visit www.txstate.edu/community for more information and to see a slide show from last year.

Media information:

Contact: Kim Porterfield, director of Community Relations, communityrelations@txstate.edu or 512 757-0601

“Pack It Up and Pass It On” recycling program connects end-of-the-semester donations from Texas State students with more than 1,000 San Marcos needy residents June 7

Great still and action images!

• Volunteers sort Tuesday, June 5 and Wednesday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  in the LBJ Student Center ballroom. Garage-sale type atmosphere with more than 100 tables featuring clothing, household items, electronics, furniture, office supplies, and small appliances. Volunteers organize, fold clothes, and sort.
• Distribution day is Thursday, June 7. Doors open at 7 a.m. Line begins forming before 6 a.m. About 1,000 local residents are expected to attend. Event is over by 11 a.m. Heavy traffic, lots of action at 7 a.m.