Every June, while most people are relaxing and celebrating the beginning of summer, the Office of Sustainability at Northwestern University is busy organizing the “Take it or Leave it” program. The program is in its 23rd year and has led to the donation of thousands of reusables and pounds of food to a variety charities throughout the years.
The idea is simple: boxes are placed in the lobby/entry of each residential building to collect non-perishable food items, clothing, sheets, and small household items, which then find a new home after the program comes to a close. This year, the "Take it or Leave it" program was able to bring 600 pounds of food -- that's enough to provide 500 meals! Our friends over at Reebie Storage & Moving assisted with the event by graciously donating all of the collection boxes.
All of the food was donated to The Campus Kitchens Project, an organization that teams up with universities to bring dining services and students together in an effort to help those struggling with food insecurity. CKNU, Northwestern's chapter of The Campus Kitchens Project, will use the food to provide grocery bags which elementary school students at the Asian Youth Services (AYS) summer program in Chicago will take home to their families. Any snack items will be distributed to a variety of agencies in Evanston, Illinois, including the Salvation Army, YWCA, YMCA, Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center, and Family Focus.
Sal Manso, President of Reebie Storage & Moving, said that he was inspired by how the community came together during the length of the drive. Manso also said that "the more people do for each other, the more others want to join in" and that Reebie Storage & Moving will without a doubt be participating in more food drives in the future. As Manso says, "it feels good to do good!"
Overall the "Take it or Leave it” program was a great success and helped the over 660,000 people struggling with food insecurity in Cook County, Illinois.
Want to find out how YOU can make a difference in your community? Click HERE!
