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.