Is your room looking far more crowded than it did in August? If so, the Old2Gold donation pick-up sites popping up across campus will surely be a welcome sight! As you prepare to leave your home under the Dome, please consider donating any reusable items (e.g. futons, refrigerators, clothes, books, etc…) to Old2Gold, an event recognized as one of Notre Dame’s most significant community-centered sustainability initiatives.
Old2Gold, the University’s year-end campus yard sale, has been a highly successful venue for donating gently used items since 2005. “It takes strong teamwork across many different groups to make Old2Gold a success,” said Sarah Misener, Associate Vice President for Campus Services. “It’s a collaborative effort that joins our students and Residence Hall Staff, and the Recycling, Central Receiving, General Services, Sustainability, and Building Services Departments. The involvement by nearly 30 local charities who volunteer to conduct the sale and whose organizations then benefit from the proceeds is greatly appreciated.” Through generous student donations, more than 250 tons of items have been diverted from the landfill just in the past three years alone! “We understand what this program has meant to many community members,” says Misener, “And are so grateful for the thoughtful contributions each year from our student body.”
The mission of Old2Gold is two-fold. In addition to diverting thousands of pounds worth of items from local landfills, an activity aligning with the University’s sustainability goals, the program also supports charitable organizations in the area. One hundred percent of the proceeds from each Old2Gold sale are split amongst the volunteer organizations that assist in coordinating and conducting the event. Last year’s sale, attended by over 2,000 community members, rose just over $43K for these local volunteer organizations. “Having resold over 2,500 bikes, countless refrigerators and televisions, and unimaginable amounts of clothing, this program is truly representative of the power of Recycling,” says Ian Hogan, Manager of Recycling, Solid Waste & Special Projects.
The regular donation pickup will run from Monday, May 5 through Monday, May 19. When students are ready to move items out of their rooms they should separate donations into two categories, furniture (chairs, couches, futons, desks, shelving, etc..) and other donations (clothing, carpet, books, refrigerators, etc..), and carry the donations to the corresponding yard sign, either “Furniture” or “Other Donations,” located at their residence hall’s donation pickup area. While students may place items at these designated locations at any time throughout the day, pickups will occur daily from 7:00am to 9:00am. Any unopened, non-perishable food items can be placed in the orange Food Bank barrels starting Friday, May 2, through Monday, May 19.
“We are really proud of the Old2Gold program and its positive impact on the Notre Dame and South Bend communities, “says Linda Kurtos, Director of the Office of Sustainability. “We are able to repurpose useful items that still have a wealth of life in them while helping to support local agencies. In return, these groups work to support our community. It really is a win-win-win scenario for all.” The tenth annual Old2Gold Yard Sale will take place on Saturday, June 14, from 7:00am to 10:00am at the Notre Dame Stadium.
Visit old2gold.nd.edu over the coming weeks for additional sale details.