For many students, college is the first real experience of independence, and with it comes the realization of how expensive basic living can be. Suddenly, that extra $15 for toilet paper or laundry detergent feels significant. Setting up a dorm room can mean spending $50 or more on pillows, comforters and other essentials that were never given much thought before.
By the end of each semester, particularly when moving apartments or graduating, many students throw away perfectly good items. This leads to a large amount of unnecessary waste.
What many students may not realize is that State College has a shelter called Out of the Cold, located at 318 S. Atherton St, which houses up to 20 residents experiencing homelessness. When temperatures drop below freezing, the shelter opens its doors to anyone in need.
“You forget what you need until you need it,” says Gina Destefano, a shelter coordinator at Out of the Cold.
Many students can relate to this, especially when they first experience independence. This is why it’s important to recognize the value of donating items rather than throwing them away. State College has several places where donations are accepted, yet every semester, far too many usable items end up in the trash.
Where To Start
With the semester coming to a close, a lot of food items end up going to waste. Many things that college students buy can actually be donated. Canned items are always a good option. Bulk stores like Sam’s Club are popular among students, especially for snacks, and even if the large box has been opened, individually wrapped items inside can still be donated as long as they are unopened.
Toilet paper and kitchen roll can also be donated, even if the outer package has been opened. Sanitary items such as pads and tampons are expensive and often overlooked, but they can be donated as long as each item is still individually sealed. Open containers of Tide Pods or liquid detergent can also be donated.
The shelter accepts a wide range of items, even if the packaging has been opened. This shows how important and necessary these basic items are and how many people rely on them. These things shouldn’t be taken for granted or thrown away just because they take up space.
Graduating Seniors
There are many things people assume can’t be donated, but in reality, there are very few items that cannot be given secondhand. For graduating seniors, a lot gets thrown away even though it can be reused. Pillows, comforters and any type of blanket are always wanted. Lightbulbs, fans and even garbage bins can also be donated.
Clothes that don’t fit in a suitcase can be donated as well. Bras, socks, hats and scarves are all accepted secondhand. Household and kitchen items are especially important. Every pot, pan, knife, fork or coffee machine is saved and later given to individuals when they move from the shelter into an apartment so they have essentials to start with.
International students who are returning home with different outlets can donate their chargers and hair dryers. Pens and pencils are also valuable and often needed.
So much ends up being thrown away at the end of a semester. Donating costs nothing, and throwing something out takes just as much effort. Instead of throwing these items in the trash, donate them so someone else can use them.
Buy One, Get One Free
Of course, some things cannot be donated secondhand and must be donated sealed. One of those things is medication. As the weather gets colder and winter approaches, sickness becomes much more common.
Many people find themselves in CVS or the grocery store buying Advil or other basic medicines. If there’s a buy-one-get-one-free deal and the second bottle won’t be used, consider donating it instead. Medication is something shelters often lack and urgently need. Donating even one extra bottle can make a big difference for someone this winter.
According to the World Population Review, as of 2024, there were 14,088 individuals in Pennsylvania experiencing homelessness.
Donating items that won’t make any difference in your own life can make a huge difference in someone else’s. When the semester ends or when graduation comes, take a moment and think, does this item really need to be thrown away, or could donating it make someone’s life even just a little bit better?
Let us know what you are going to donate instead of throwing away @VALLEYMag on Instagram or X!
