Donate unwanted items to families in Portage County

Kristyn Lebovitz

‘Throw and Go’ seeks supplies, clothes, food

Students clearing out their dorm rooms can donate unwanted items to families around Portage County through “Throw & Go.”

“Throw & Go” is a service project sponsored by Portage County District Recycling Centers, National Residence Hall Honorary and Portage County Family and Community Services.

“We are collecting items such as non-perishable foods, gently used clothing and other items such as rugs, couches and school supplies,” said Michelle Lillash, senior intervention specialist major and president of the National Residence Hall Honorary.

Lillash said the donated items go to the Portage County Family and Community Services center and are placed in its store. Families from Portage County can come and take any items they might need for free.

This is the fourth year Kent State will be involved in “Throw & Go.” The Community Service Center weighs all donations to measure the amount given. Last year, Kent State donated more than 90,000 pounds of unwanted items.

“I volunteered once at the Portage County Family and Community Service center and it was definitely an eye opener,” Lillash said. “I did not realize how many families could have used something I threw away.”

Junior education major, Kaitlyn Rahl, said she will be donating a bag of clothes and shoes this year to “Throw & Go.”

“It’s just something I can do to help others in need,” Rahl said. “Really and truly, I don’t need 90 pairs of shoes.”

Junior education major, Ashley Hazen, said she will also be donating clothes and shoes to “Throw & Go” this year.

“I’m donating because it’s stuff I don’t need and someone else may,” she said.

Donation bins are located in every residence hall, and people can donate until the end of the semester. There is also a bin located in Rosie’s Diner for those who have extra meal plan money and want to donate food.

Contact room and board reporter Kristyn Lebovitz at [email protected].