The annual “Ten Tons of Love” charity drive will begin on Wednesday, April 27, and continue through Thursday, May 12. The drive, which collected more than 50 tons of usable clothing and household items last year, provides 3,000 families in the Syracuse area with these essentials. Students, faculty and staff are all encouraged to donate items and to volunteer.
“Ten Tons of Love makes a tremendous impact on the community—from the sustainability benefits to the community engagement opportunities and of course, to the families receiving these donations,” says Elin Riggs, director of the Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Services. “We appreciate all the students, faculty, staff and community partners that make this drive possible.”
Donations of clothing, nonperishable food items, bedding, towels, office and school supplies, and small appliances will be accepted. Donation boxes will be located in Schine Student Center, Goldstein Student Center, Hendricks Chapel and each residence hall. All donations must be in good condition.
As donations are made, volunteers are also needed to collect the items at donation locations across campus and load them on trucks for delivery. The volunteers meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Chaplain’s Suite in Hendricks Chapel, with shifts ending around noon. Team captains are also needed to organize volunteers for pick-up routes around campus and work with drivers to ensure all donations are collected. Volunteers are needed April 29 to May 12. Additional volunteering details and the link to sign up can be found on the Ten Tons of Love Volunteer Details page.
Donations will be delivered to the First English Lutheran Church on James Street, the Rescue Mission and the 3fifteen store on University Avenue for sorting and then distribution across the larger Syracuse community.
For more information, visit the Ten Tons of Love website or contact Riggs at eriggs@syr.edu.
