Sustainability

RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS DEPART, LEAVING TREASURES BEHIND

From left: Dana Cole and Esther Sindler inspect donations from the residence halls.

The residence halls have gone quiet, and hallways are  looking empty. But while leaving for the  summer, a great number of Women’s College students did a good deed in the  process.  Collection boxes placed in collaboration between Brenau’s Sustainability  Center and the Student Services Office filled up with women’s clothing, shoes,  household articles and school supplies. 

“We’re thrilled that so many students participated in our ‘Don’t trash  it – donate it!’ campaign,” said Dr. Rudi Kiefer, director of  sustainability. “This is the first time  we’ve done this experiment, and the response has been excellent. It seemed a logical connection, too, to give  our Women’s College an avenue for helping an organization that’s largely  focused on aiding women from the community.” 

The Gateway Domestic Violence Center, previously known as  Gateway House, has been serving the area since the 1980’s. A significant part of its revenue is provided  by sales through two thrift stores, which will receive the goods donated by  Brenau students. 

“The thrift stores are  an important part of our operation,” said director Jessica Butler. “Everything  we have is donated from the community. We’re  very pleased that the Brenau students have been so responsible and  supportive.  Also, we encourage faculty  and staff to donate items that are no longer wanted or needed but in sell able  condition.” 

Just recently, the Gateway Domestic Violence Center  generated friendly attention at the Brenau Sustainability Fair with the display  and sale of items hand-made by its residents.  Future events are likely to further strengthen collaborative efforts  between the Sustainability effort and Gateway. 

“This is awesome!” said Dana Cole, president of Mu Sigma Chi, the science  society at Brenau. “I’m proud that there  has been such a positive response by our fellow Women’s College students.”

After a last look around the residence hall collection  sites, all donations are scheduled to be delivered to the Park Hill store, with  proceeds to benefit the women’s shelter.