Montana Students’ Move-Out Trash Could Be Your Treasure Wednesday

It could be a delightful day for you Missoula rummage sale fanatics!

Spring semester has come to a close and that means moving out of the dorms and discarding junk. Or...just maybe beauty is in the eye of the beholder?

UM News Service tells us that as University of Montana students prepare to vacate their residence halls, they’ll find a convenient solution for discarding unwanted items, thanks to the Campus Thrift Program. And the public is invited to a shopping frenzy one day only.

A NEAT, WELL-ORGANIZED GATHERING OF GOODS

This Thursday through Saturday, May 9-11, multiple collection sites are set up across campus. These designated spots will allow students to drop off items they no longer need. The collected items will be sorted, staged and made available for purchase at deeply discounted prices from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at UM’s Schreiber Gymnasium, which is right at the base of Mount Sentinel on Campus Drive. Proceeds from the sale will directly support campus sustainability initiatives spearheaded by the departments behind the program.

WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND

Collection sites positioned outside University residence halls will accept a wide array of items, including clothing, housewares, small appliances and nonperishable food items. Mattresses, textbooks, large furniture and hazardous materials will not be accepted.

It's UM's way of helping to keep items out of the landfill that are still perfectly usable. The program currently needs volunteers to assist with staffing collection sites, sorting items and facilitating the sale. Both students and community members are encouraged to get involved. AND volunteers will enjoy early access to donated items.

If you would like to be a volunteer, contact Derek Kanwischer, program coordinator, UM Office of Sustainability, 406-243-5796, or email derek.kanwischer@mso.umt.edu.

Happy shopping Wednesday!