(BINGHAMTON, NY) – With the help of over 150 volunteers, over the past month the Binghamton Move Out Project (MOP) has collected over 34,000 pounds of donations from Binghamton University students moving out of their college housing, up from the 20,000 collected last year. Today, the group hosted the first of its annual two-day “Shopping Days” event where community organizations “shop” for donations for free.
Over 50 area nonprofits, schools, and churches were invited to participate in the annual event, collecting items needed for the clients they serve. Among those who shopped today include the Addiction Center of Broome County, the Friends in Need Blessing Box, YWCA, and the Broome County Urban League. MOP volunteers were available to assist shoppers with finding needed items and packing their vehicles.
Items available for community organizations include clothing, non-perishable food items, furniture, books, housewares, cleaning supplies, and more. There is even a designated holiday decoration and costume section, as well as a stocked sports, toys, and games section. Over the course of the two designated shopping days, MOP anticipates almost every item being taken by the 50+ donation partners signed up to shop. The donations are then taken back to their respective organizations and are subsequently given to the people they serve at no cost.
“Hundreds of volunteer hours have been put in this year's cycle,” said Kate Harasta, MOP Shopping Days Coordinator. “We're all looking forward to seeing our hard work pay off during Shopping Days, when the organizations find items to better their operations and provide for their clients' needs. We've heard for years how much of an impact this has had for our community. Times are tough for nonprofits right now, and we’re glad we can provide some much needed assistance.”
Disclaimer: MOP does not give items out directly to individuals, and instead relies on their network of donation partners to get the items out to the community. Organizations who are interested in participating next year should fill out the form found at tinyurl.com/DonationPartnerMOP.
Binghamton Move Out Project | moveoutproject.org
607-252-6671 | binghamtonmoveout@gmail.com | PO Box 572, Endicott, NY 13760