After the spring semester, the University’s Give-N-Go program collected a record of 35,040 pounds of donated items for Hannah Homes across Tuscaloosa, Shelby and Jefferson counties, providing basic necessities to women and children of domestic violence, according to a UA news release.
Through the program, students could donate unwanted items at any of the 16 locations set up near residential communities in the last weeks of spring classes, the news release also stated.
Sponsored by the Community Service Center and Housing and Residential Communities, the Give-N-Go program began in 2006 and has grown every year, said Joshua Burford, the Community Service Center’s coordinator of freshman outreach.
“We have made some great partnerships over the years and have been able to help a lot of people in Tuscaloosa in need,” he said. “The program has been such a success, housing and the community service center are in talks of having a second Give-N-Go donation during the summer term.”
Kyle Holt, a junior majoring in business who works as a desk assistant at the Ridgecrest South Residential Community, said the process went smoothly.
“It is extremely beneficial to students moving out because it allows them to rid themselves of their unwanted items, while still providing for the less fortunate,” he said.
Noomi Grootens, a sophomore majoring in public relations who donated from Tutwiler Hall, said she feels it was a success, though some things could be changed.
“Although I donated, I wasn’t really sure where my items were going,” she said. “I think that students should be made more aware of the donation process and that it’s going to needy families in the community, and maybe then our donations can increase even more.”
Kathy Porter, a representative from the Hannah Home, said the donations are always beneficial and a great thing to have.
“We provide counseling, shelter and even transportation to families in need; here at the Hannah Home, our main goal is to assist families of domestic violence in starting over, and with these donations, the first step is made a little bit easier.”
