Declutter for Good: Where to Donate as You Move Out!

Article written by The Lance Journalists, Aminah Khan and Montse Pineda.

Students at the University of Windsor are getting ready to move out of their accommodations as the Winter semester ends, finding themselves with a pile of items they no longer need. Instead of throwing these things away, why not donate them to someone in need? Here are some resources for students looking to make donations before moving out. 

UWSA Food Pantry 

The UWSA Food Pantry strives to help end food insecurity for students. Items such as canned vegetables, fruits, soups, pasta, rice, beans, and other non-perishable staples are greatly appreciated. 

The UWSA Food Pantry team encourages students to turn the moving-out period into an opportunity to give back and support our community.  

“As you pack up your belongings, consider donating any excess items to help combat food insecurity on our campus. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community members. Let’s ensure that no student goes hungry,” said UWSA Food Pantry Team. 

Textbooks for Change 

Textbooks for Change is a social enterprise that promotes education accessibility and affordability worldwide. Through their initiatives, they redistribute textbooks, unlocking knowledge for millions who would otherwise be left behind in the digital age. 

They accept a variety of textbooks from universities, colleges, and high schools published within the past 15 years.  

Accepted materials include: 

• University Textbooks (published in the last 15 years). 
• High School Textbooks (all subjects accepted). 
• Study Guides (any material assisting in studying). 
• Course Packs (relevant to post-secondary education). 
• Grade 3 to 12 Textbooks (all subjects accepted). 
• Other Educational Material (anything that aids learning). 

Students can get involved by donating textbooks, hosting dropboxes at their universities or colleges, requesting textbooks, organizing book drives, and sponsoring specific projects or initiatives. 

Drop-off locations at UWindsor provide convenient spots for students and faculty members to donate and support.  

• Anthony P. Toldo Health Education Centre (bin located by the North Entrance). 
• Human Kinetics (bin located on the main floor). 
• CAW Student Centre (bin located on the main floor). 
• E.D. Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation (dropbox in the middle of the vestibule by lecture room 1100, close to the elevator). 
• Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre (bin located on the second floor). 

Extra Resources on Campus 

As of April 8th, Laurier Hall, Alumni Hall, and Cartier Hall will have tables set up in the lobby of each building where only students who live in residence can donate unwanted items. However, students are also welcome to take items from that donation area. 

At the end of the semester, any items left on the donation tables will be donated, according to Zoë Rivera Gutierrez, the Residence Life Team Lead. 

“This is the 2nd year residence has specifically set up a space for students to donate unwanted items. It’s a great way for students to declutter before moving out and donate items for another student or community member to benefit from,” said Rivera Gutierrez.  

Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex 

Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex offers various opportunities for students to get involved and contribute to their mission of providing decent and affordable housing.  

Students can volunteer or donate items to their ReStore, such as surplus building materials, furniture, appliances, and home and garden items. Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex provides a pick-up service for donated items within Essex County, making it easy for students to contribute. 

If you have any inquiries or want to donate, students can reach the main office and ReStore of Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex located at 51 Edinborough St., Windsor, ON, N8X 3C3. Or contact them via phone at (519) 969-3762 or email at ktowne@habitatwindsor.org.  

Community Donation Centre at Value Village 

The Community Donation Centre at Value Village in Windsor, Ontario, serves as a hub for donating clothes and household items to their local nonprofit partner, Diabetes Canada. 

Students can play a crucial role in supporting the donation center by contributing goods to benefit those in need. Accepted items range from clothing, shoes, and electronics to household items like bed and bath items, books and media, and small furniture. Each donation champions reuse, keeping items out of landfills and promoting sustainability. 

If you have any inquiries or want to donate, students can reach the Community Donation Centre at 4322 Walker Road, Building 1, Windsor, ON N8W 3T6. Or contact them via phone at (519) 259-1479. 

Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor Inc. 

The Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor Inc. (UHC) plays a vital role in the Windsor community by operating various programs to support individuals and families in need like the People’s Choice Pantry, providing nutritional food items such as meat, dairy, bread, fresh vegetables, and shelf-stable goods. 

Students interested in donating items can organize substantial donations that require pick-up by contacting Lynda Davidson, the Food Bank Coordinator.  

Contact the Unemployed Help Centre at (519) 944-4900 for assistance with inquiries regarding the pantry located at 6955 Cantelon Drive, Windsor. 

“During move-out days, many items often end up in the landfill. However, we encourage University of Windsor students to donate their gently used items to not-for-profit organizations in the Windsor-Essex community, giving them a second chance at life,” advises Nadia Harduar, the Sustainability Officer on campus.  

Let’s foster a culture of sustainability both on and off campus! Happy end of the semester!