Students moving out of near-campus housing can choose to give away household items rather than leave them on the sidewalk, thanks to a new program sponsored by the University of Oregon Police Department and UO Community Relations.

With the end of spring term upon us, students will start moving out of near-campus housing. In past years, departing students have left furniture, housewares, clothing and other items on street corners and in overflowing dumpsters. These items can pose a safety hazard and affect livability for long-term residents, so UOPD is putting them to better use.

The program, called Chuck it for Charity, will allow students to donate reusable goods to charities like Sponsors, which helps previously incarcerated individuals integrate back into the community.

Chuck it for Charity will take place during finals week and the two days after graduation: June 10-14 and 18-19. Off-campus students are welcome to bring their unwanted items (except for prohibited items; see the list below) to a stationary truck parked at the Presbyterian Church at 555 E. 15th Ave, near the intersection with Patterson. Students are asked not to leave items outside the truck if it is unattended, as it impacts the nearby school and church.

The truck will be staffed at the following times:

In addition to accepting donations at the church, Jim Minter with Sponsors will pick up larger items from South and West University neighborhoods. To schedule a pick up, students should contact him directly at (541) 513-8571. Students taking advantage of the pick-up service will need to bring their items to the ground level or curbside shortly before the pickup time. For safety reasons, it is preferred that items not be left curbside until right before the scheduled pick-up.

Note that the charities can only take items that they can use. They are not able to take the following items:

• Items that are broken or damaged, or have been contaminated with animal hair or bodily fluids
• Food items, hazardous waste, household chemicals, or paint
• Mattresses without boxsprings
• Stained items
• Baby furniture
• Tires, car parts
• Carpets

If you have questions, contact community relations student assistant Evynn Pickering at evynnp@uoregon.edu.