News

May 29, 2026

Donate, Don’t Dispose Turns Move-Out Into Community Impact

When students moved out of NDSU’s residence halls and apartments in May, hundreds of items that might have been thrown away instead reached community neighbors, fellow students, and campus partners who could put them back to use. That is the work of Donate, Don’t Dispose, a Residence Life program that turns end-of-year move-out into a coordinated, campus-wide donation effort.

This year’s drive ran from May 8 to 17 and collected roughly 100 13-gallon bags of gently used clothing, household goods, and other belongings, along with 780.52 pounds of non-perishable food and a box of dining ware that had migrated out of the dining centers. Every bag, pound, and box was routed to a campus or community partner.

“Donate, Don’t Dispose showcases the generosity of our students and the collective impact we can make when we intentionally redirect usable items to those who can benefit from them,” said Jen Kacere, Residence Life Assistant Director for Leadership Development. “Through the support of our campus and community partners, this program demonstrates how students can leave a positive mark on the community they have called home during their time at NDSU.”

Where the donations go

Most household items and clothing went to the New Life Center, a longtime community partner. This year, the center expanded its presence on campus with two lockable donation containers students could use at any hour, and staff picked up donations every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the drive.

Food collected through the program stayed on campus to restock the Little Free Pantry and the NDSU Goods for the Herd Food Pantry, both operated by the Dean of Students Office to help NDSU students meet basic needs.

NDSU Dining accepted plates, cups, and silverware that had migrated out of the dining centers during the year, no questions asked.

New this year, Residence Life partnered with Student Government to collect Bison gear at three locations across campus. Items in usable condition will be redistributed through Bison Threads.

A group of people stand in from of tables full of food items.
From left: Daniel Kase, International Student Advisor, Global Programs and Services; Lisa Samuelson, Director of Student Activities, Office of Student Engagement; Carin Engler, Assistant to the Vice Provost, Student Affairs and Institutional Equity; Adam Moch, Health Promotions Coordinator, Student Health Services; Angela Reinke, Lead Case Manager, Office of the Dean of Students, Carrier Anne Platte, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Office of the Provost and Zackary Rittenhouse, One Stop Associate, Customer Account Services sort donation received through the Donate, Don’t Dispose drive on May 18, 2026 in the Memorial Union.
Why it matters

Move-out is a high-volume moment for residential waste. Students often leave behind clothing, kitchenware, bedding, and food they cannot transport home, much of it perfectly usable. Donate, Don’t Dispose redirects those items to people and programs that need them, easing pressure on local nonprofits, restocking student food pantries, and keeping usable goods out of the landfill, all within a single coordinated effort that runs alongside the regular move-out timeline.

The program works because campus and community partners show up for it. Residence Life thanks the New Life Center, NDSU Goods for the Herd, the Little Free Pantry, and Student Government for making this year’s drive possible, along with the staff and students who picked up containers and delivered food across campus.

Looking ahead

The 2027 Donate, Don’t Dispose drive is scheduled for May 8 to 18. Departments, programs, and student groups interested in joining the partnership for next year can connect with Residence Life to learn more.