April 30, 2010 — University of Virginia students living on Grounds will again have an opportunity to donate their unneeded furniture, clothing and household appliances to local charities.

From May 6 to 17, the 11th annual Chuck It For Charity program will collect still-useful items that students are not taking with them and donate them to local charities. The charities will resell the items or distribute them directly to those in need.

"The great thing about Chuck It For Charity is that it brings together the students and the charities and fosters a strong link between Grounds and the community," said Nina Morris, the new sustainability outreach coordinator for the University, who will be participating in the event for the first time.

Collection points will be set up in the residence halls for students to leave furniture, clothing, electronics, small household appliances, non-perishable food and school supplies. The charities working with the program will periodically pick up the items.

"The charities anticipate getting good quality items," Morris said. "And this diverts a lot of things that still have a useful life from the landfill."

A mixture of repeat and new charities will participate in the program this year, including Advancing Native Missions, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network, Central Virginia Baptist Association's Clothing Center, Church of the Incarnation, Faith Point Christian Center, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, The Habitat Store and Love INC.

Morris said U.Va. Sustainability works closely with the Housing Division to make the collections possible. Last year about 28,500 pounds of material were collected and given to charities.

A similar event for departing U.Va. students living off-Grounds who wish to donate furniture and household items to benefit local charities — The Sofa Shuffle — will be held May 24 and May 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.