Ten Tons of Love collection drive now in its 15th year

The Ten Tons of Love semi-annual drive has begun and will continue through May 21 to assist those in need in the Syracuse community with clothing, household items, cell phones, furniture, nonperishable food, books and school supplies. Syracuse University students, faculty and staff, as well as community members, are encouraged to donate used items in good condition.

The spring 2009 effort collected 33 tons of food, clothing, housewares, shoes and books. Additionally, 15 truckloads of furniture were collected. Recipients of the donated items include Bethesda Temple Pentecostal Church, First English Food Pantry, Interfaith Works of CNY’s Center for New Americans, Mary Nelson’s Backpack Program, Northside Clothes Closet, Practical Assistance Program, Refugee Resettlement Program and Transitional Living Services.

The donated goods will be sorted at First English Lutheran Church before delivery to these not-for-profits, which will share the items with members of the Central New York community. Last year, more than 1,000 individuals benefited from the drive.

Drop-off locations include all SU residence halls, Archbold Gym, Hendricks Chapel, the Schine and Goldstein student centers, University College the Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Services, and Moon Library on the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry campus.

Off-campus pick up of large items can be arranged by calling (315) 443-5489.

Darya Rotblat, director of the Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Services, chairs the drive. For more information or to register to volunteer, visit http://tentons.syr.edu.

The drive is sponsored by SU, SUNY-ESF and the First Lutheran Church.