Got junk? Give it to PennMoves

Thanks to a new program by Housing and Conference Services, throwing out unwanted items at the end of the school year has never felt better.

In an effort to promote environmental and social responsibility, HCS will be collecting students' old clothes and appliances and donating them to charity during the move-out period.

The new program, called PennMoves, will collect "used but still usable" items that will then be distributed among 15 different charity organizations in the West Philadelphia area.

"It's amazing what students leave behind and every year. We see perfectly usable stuff so this is a great [opportunity]," said Business Services spokeswoman Barbara Lea-Kruger.

Students will be able to put items for donation in boxes that will be placed in all of the College Houses as well as several off-campus drop-off centers. The boxes will be available during the month of May.

"There have been smaller initiatives like this in the past," said Glenn Stieffenhofer, associate director of Housing Information Centers and Events.

The idea for PennMoves originated during an annual Business Services retreat during which staff members were asked to come up with projects that promote sustainability.

Stieffenhofer has high hopes for this year because of the University's support.

All the donated items will be taken to the Class of 1920 Ice Rink, where volunteers will sort them.

While PennMoves expects to receive everything from furniture and printers to refrigerators, even basic goods like food will be welcome.

One of the charities benefiting from the project - IHM Literacy Centers - helps low-income illiterate immigrant children learn how to read. Many of them would be glad just to receive even a warm meal, Stieffenhofer said.

Inquiries about volunteering can be sent to pennmoves@pobox.upenn.edu. A complete list of 2008 beneficiaries is also available on the Web site.

Computer Connection, Penn Mail Service, Philly Carshare, and Sinclair Moving are also contributing to the effort by helping with transportation.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.