The Kent State Give-N-Go program, previously known as Throw-N-Go, first began in 2003 as an annual program that gives Kent State students an opportunity to donate old, usable items as they prepare to move out. Currently, resident halls across campus have bins where students can donate food, clothing and other miscellaneous items.
But what happens to the items after they are donated?
The Habitat for Humanity of Portage County ReStore is a local retail store in Kent, Ohio that uses their proceeds to cover operation costs and help build affordable housing throughout Portage Country.
“We are green initiative driven and take every opportunity to keep things out of landfills by taking items at our location and giving them a second life,” says Bradley Knife, the manager at Portage County ReStore. “Habitat for Humanity of Portage County gives anyone the opportunity to apply for safe, affordable housing whether through new construction or rehabilitation.”
Each year, the Give-N-Go program is a collaborative effort between the Portage County ReStore, Kent State, County Clothing Center, Center of Hope and Portage Recycle to receive and send donations to various locations, including Portage County ReStore In this process, the Portage County ReStore receives home good donations which they later sell at their retail location.
“The week of student move out, we’ll be able to collect furniture and home goods that students don’t want to take with them,” explains Knife. “Those can be used items in decent shape and new items as well.”
According to Knife, some of the most commonly received donations at ReStore include furniture, home goods, tools, hardware and building materials, but those aren’t the only donations that they receive.
“We host a Recycle Extravaganza each year in May, where we provide opportunities for people to safely recycle items like paper, latex paint, tires, American flags, eyeglasses, clothing and electronics,” says Knife. “People can also support by making monetary donations, construction materials and car donations on our affiliate side of things.”
The Portage County Restore is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 A.M. to 5 A.M. and is located in Kent, Ohio at 1510 South Water Street in the University Plaza.
For those who are interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity’s housing programs, such as Neighborhood Revitalization, Aging in Place, home ownership or critical home repair; they can reach out to [email protected] for questions about home ownership, [email protected] for questions about home repair, and visit the Habitat for Humanity of Portage County website for more information about all of Habitat for Humanity’s programs.
For those interested in donating, volunteering or otherwise supporting both Habitat of Humanity and the Portage County Restore, Knife encourages you to check out the Habitat for Humanity of Portage County website. Knife also wants people to know that they can support both organizations by shopping at the Portage County ReStore itself.
“We want people to know that we are open to the public to shop,” says Knife. “A lot of people that donate or even some locally don’t realize they can shop at the store for items 50-90% off retail.”
Rebekah Hiles is a writer and photographer. Contact her at [email protected]
