Students living in the on-campus residence halls at California State University, Fresno donated about one ton of clothing, school supplies, small electrics and other items to the Disabled American Veterans during Project GLEAN (Giving Leftovers Ends a Need). The drive ended May 17.
Upon moving out of their dormitory units at University Courtyard, students were encouraged to donate their unwanted items to the organization instead of discarding them.
“University Courtyard provides community service projects to our students throughout the year to show them what a little amount of energy it takes to help your fellow neighbors,” said Erin Boele, Fresno State’s director of housing. “Our students love that they can help so many people with things that they would never have thought about donating.”
To make giving easy, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provided collection containers in the residence halls and in the main common area for two weeks. The veterans organization emptied the bins daily, with usable discards placed on sale in DAV thrift stores in Fresno.
George McQuiston, fleet supervisor for the DAV, said store proceeds pay for veterans’ services directly and allow the organization to support other efforts that help veterans such as Meals on Wheels, hospice, blood bank, nursing homes and Blind Veterans to Camp.
This is the third year, Fresno State has partnered with the veterans for Project GLEAN.
“We are so pleased to give back what seems like so little to those who have given so much,” said event coordinator Rene Delport of Fresno State’s Jan and Bud Richter Center for Civic Engagement and Service-Learning. “Every year, this event grows and it is such a testament to the generosity of our students and support of the University Courtyard staff.”
For more information about the project call Delport at Fresno State, 559.278.7063; or the DAV at 559.237.0273.
