May 5, 1997

Recycling old throwaways

By Stephanie Allmon

hen students complete their last finals and sell this semester's books, many still face sorting, packing and moving their possessions home. This invariably includes a trip or two to the dumpster to "lighten the load."

Project Recovery aims to save students from making that trip to the dumpster.

Sponsored by the Chaplain's Office and the Campus Ministry Council, Project Recovery has distributed students' unwanted items to local charities for over 15 years.

During finals week, residents put their items in Project Recovery boxes, and volunteers collect, sort and designate where the items will be donated.

This year's participating charities include the Marillac Social Center, Southeast Dallas Emergency Food Center, Dallas Islamic Academy, the Bethlehem Foundation and the Salvation Army.

Eric Roberts, Project Recovery volunteer, said students may donate anything that is in good condition that they would otherwise throw away.

"We will take anything a student doesn't want to lug home," Roberts said. "I've seen VCRs in dumpsters before."

SMU Assistant Chaplain Nancy Kasten said most people give clothing, shoes, bedding or packaged food, but she has seen computers, stereos and TV sets given in the past.

"Every year we are absolutely amazed at what people don't want or need that becomes useful for others," Kasten said.

Donna Almasour, director of Dallas Islamic Academy said the clothing and food SMU donates goes to needy families from the academy. What they cannot use goes to Victory House, a place that takes in people who have "fallen between the cracks," Almasour said.

Kamilah Abdul-Hakeem, a teacher at the academy, said just like the students at SMU, the academy will not keep what it will not use.

"If we have more than we need, why hoard it? If you receive, you should share," Abdul-Hakeem said. "That's what it's all about."

Kasten said students can help in ways other than donating things. Volunteers are needed to pick up items from residence halls and to help sort them in the portico rooms in the student center.

Boxes will be placed in residence halls Monday, and pick-up will continue through May 12.

Roberts said Project Recovery helps students feel more connected to the community.

"It's a good opportunity for the SMU community to help create a link between SMU and Dallas," Roberts said.




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