Mount Union Trash to Treasure Sale Outcome

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On May 6 and May 7, 2009 Mount Union College and United Way of Greater Stark County partnered to bring a campus-wide recycling event, "Trash to Treasure" to life. From April 24-May 5, students, staff, and faculty at Mount Union were encouraged to donate clothing, furniture, food, school supplies, and toiletries that they were planning to throw away. Items donated were organized in Wilson Hall and sold to community members for a small fee. The money earned was donated to United Way of Greater Stark County. Participants received training on sustainability and recycling using volunteers from public agencies and Mount Union College faculty.

Being environmentally conscience is something the Mount Union community takes very seriously. “Sustainability is a global issue that we all have a responsibility to address,” said Dr. Richard F. Giese, president of Mount Union College. “This means taking serious action today to ensure the planet’s existence as we know it in the future. Mount Union is committed to leading the way.”

As a result, 500 canned food items, 200 pairs of shoes, 3,000 clothing items, 50 pieces of furniture and 4 boxes of school supplies and 2 boxes of toiletries were donated to the sale.

Mount Union College reported a $700.00 savings in the area of waste management.

• $2345.10 in cash was earned from the sale of 200 pairs of shoes, 3,000 clothing items, 50 pieces of furniture, 4 boxes of school supplies and 2 boxes of toiletries
• 500 canned food items were collected
• Approximately 100 student volunteers were introduced to the United Way and received United Way t-shirts
• 450 hours volunteer hours were donated by the students to this project