DATE: April 27, 2009

CONTACT: Dave Vandeventer, 864-656-4219
dvand@clemson.edu

CONTACT: Gary Gaulin, 864-656-5445
camden@clemson.edu

WRITER: Jessica Lance, 864-656-2061
jrlance@clemson.edu

Clemson students’ trash may be the Salvation Army’s treasure

Lighten Your Load program to benefit Salvation Army with donations

CLEMSON — Clemson University Recycling Services and university housing are holding the annual Lighten Your Load program through Sunday, May 3. Students moving out this week can leave behind unwanted items — from food to furniture and everything in between — to be donated to the Salvation Army.

The program gives students and employees an opportunity to donate unwanted items, including nonperishable food items, clothing and household items. It gives students a chance to rid themselves of belongings that they no longer need or have no space to transport while helping out the community and the environment. The program, now in its seventh year, helps keep reusable items out of local landfills.

“Besides providing a great service to the students, the Lighten Your Load program has specifically gained attention for its emphasis on charitable giving along with doing something good for the environment,” said Gary Gaulin, associate director of residential facilities.

All donated items and materials are collected in residence halls by way of large bins located in designated areas of the buildings. Recycling services staff members empty collection bins as needed and take the contents to the Kite Hill Recycling Center, where items are separated into categories and picked up by the Salvation Army staff. 

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