ReUse Room opens at EOU

ReUse Room giving new life to secondhand items

News contact: Laura Hancock | University Advancement
541-962-3585 or lhancock@eou.edu

February 27, 2015

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Gently used and unwanted items are finding new homes through the ReUse Room at Eastern Oregon University.

Modeled after a concept at Portland State University, the ReUse Room is a resource for students in need of furnishings, school supplies, clothing and other household items.

Anything can be donated as long as it’s on the list of articles allowed in the residence halls, with the exception of large appliances and furniture. Non-perishable food items are also welcome and will be given to Haven from Hunger, a service learning and community development project at EOU that provides emergency supplies to families in Union County.

The idea to create a ReUse Room at EOU was originally suggested by Janet Camp, international student services coordinator. Now the Student Resource Advocate (SRA), Multicultural Center and new 4-Diversity initiative are also involved.

“Even a few small lifestyle changes can make a big difference for the environment,” Camp said. “An important part of the 4-Diversity initiative is to partner with various groups on campus to assist in offering programs and activities that make it easier for students to incorporate more sustainable choices into their lives. By offering quick-and-easy places to recycle materials, pick up and reuse everyday items, we’re working together to make a big impact here at Eastern.”

The ReUse Room is open 24/7 outside of the SRA office on the first floor of the Hoke Union Building, Room 132. Everything in the room is free for students to take. Items may be dropped off anytime, even picked up if arrangements have been made.

Candi Nielsen, the SRA this year, is championing the effort. She wants faculty, staff, students and the community to consider donating.

“A lot of people move and don’t know where to take things,” Nielsen said. “Sustainability is so important and this is one more way we can help keep usable items out of the dump.”

In her role as the SRA, a completely volunteer position, Nielsen works to connect students with other services available on and off campus including childcare, transportation, housing and legal referrals. Student staff members Amber Thomas and Dakota Olson are also there to provide support.

“We all help and depend on each other, and I can’t think of a better way to give back to the university that has given so much to me,” Nielsen said.

Nielsen is a senior majoring in business. She hopes to walk at EOU’s June commencement with her daughter Alexandra Fuller, who is completing a degree in art.

For more information about the ReUse Room call the SRA office at 541-962-4439 or e-mail here2help@eou.edu. A list of items allowed in the residence halls is available at www.eou.edu/reslife/what-to-bring.