Give It Up! is a program that enables students to donate their unwanted items at move-out time to local charities and non-profits, benefiting the local community and preventing waste. The campaign takes place from the beginning of Reading Period (prior to final exams) in mid-May through Commencement in early June. Large pods are placed in front of populated student dorms so students moving out can donate items instead of throwing them out. Student employees are vital to the success of this important program, as they sort, transport, deliver clothing, books, food and other items to local charities that would otherwise head to landfills.
During the 2020-2021 academic year, Give It Up! will have an additional donation opportunity prior to the Thanksgiving moveout. Watch Daily Messages and the Operations email for more.
GIU is led by the Center for Learning in Action (CLiA) and is supported by the Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives (paying for student labor) and Facilities (paying for the storage “pods”), and logistical support from Campus Safety & Security (CSS), the Office for Information Technology (OIT) and Alumni Reunions (assigning “Reunion Rangers” to assist with the intense move-out period on Commencement Day).
This campaign creates multiple “wins” for the college, students, community and environment by reducing the volume of items left in the dorms and the amount of waste generated during the move-out process, while giving students a convenient way to donate their belongings, all while financially benefiting small local nonprofits. The last “win” of this reuse/recycle program benefits incoming Williams students in the early fall, when the clothing and tag sales at the First Congregational Church offer students (and community members) access to needed items at very affordable prices.
Main Social Nav