During the University of Iowa's “Donate Don’t Dump” event May 10-13, 66 volunteers collected more than 25,000 pounds of donations, helping keep valuable materials out to the landfill.

Goodwill of the Heartland received 20,177 pounds of clothing, furniture, housewares and other items, while the Crisis Center received 5,294 pounds of food, cleaning, and hygienic products.

“Without this effort, most of these items would have likely ended up in the landfill.  Instead, they will be distributed to people in our community who will put them to good use,” said Beth MacKenzie, UI recycling coordinator.

Volunteers moved Goodwill donation carts from residence hall lobbies to trucks located at Mayflower, Burge, and Hillcrest, later sorting the items and collecting larger items at the trucks.

Started as a student project in 2012, “Donate Don’t Dump” is a joint effort of the Office of Sustainability and UI Housing. This was the largest move-out donation program both in volunteers and donations to-date.

 *Habitat ReStore also received donations 2012-2016

If you’re moving out of a house or apartment this summer, please consider donating unwanted items to thrift store or local service agency. See th

is guide for more information. You can also donate items at Rummage in the Ramp July 26-Aug. 3.