While graduates marched across the stage at the Tiger Arena to claim their diplomas, another line was forming at the other end of campus as staff, faculty, and community members grabbed goods at bargain prices at the Trash-to-Treasure sale. The sale took place all day Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25 in Burdick Hall Gym. Proceeds from the sale equaled $3,007.50, all of which will be used for Towson’s campus sustainability initiatives such as environmental education, recycling and renewable energy. Items included clothing, shoes, electronics, books and movies, toiletries, furniture and much more. Items left after the sale were donated to Planet Aid, Paul’s Place and Assistance Center of Towson Churches. Leftover electronics were recycled through National Reclamation.
The idea for the sale came from Stacey Aikman, Towson’s Events & Conference Services Manager. Last year Stacey donated a plethora of items after move-out and saw many items thrown into the trash. This year Stacey and the Office of Sustainability coordinated with Housing and Residence Life to collect the items from the students before they moved out and hosted a sale.
Sustainability Manager Clara Fang, organizer of the event, said, “Through this event, Towson was able to benefit the community through extremely low priced goods, raise funds for sustainability and divert tons of trash from the landfill. It is the best win-win situation. I am very grateful for the volunteers and staff members who contributed to planning and implementing the sale.”
Associate Vice President of Facilities Management Roger Hayden said, “I am very pleased with the outcome of this sale. We expect our sales proceeds to grow as the program gains traction with the students, staff and community members.”
Trash-to-Treasure is anticipated to occur next year over Commencement weekend.
