Beach Pantry Promotes Reuse and Waste Reduction through "Don't Dump It, Donate It" Drive
The Lauren Chalmers ’83 Beach Pantry is well known on campus as the place where community members can donate food and personal care items to support students in need. This spring, the Pantry expanded its efforts to support students and promote sustainable practices by hosting a new move-out donation campaign, “Don’t Dump It, Donate It.”
The initiative encouraged students living in campus housing to donate gently used household items rather than throw them away during the end-of-semester move-out period. The idea was inspired by a desire to rescue usable items and reduce waste, while also following the example of successful move-out collection programs at other universities.
Through outreach and collection efforts, students donated a variety of items, including mirrors, fans, clothing hangers, and other household essentials. In total, the program diverted approximately 100 pounds of reusable materials from the landfill, providing an opportunity for these items to have a second life while helping students save money.
The donated items will be made available free of charge to students seeking household necessities, including those moving into campus housing for the fall 2026 semester. Items will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, making it easy for students to find useful items before purchasing new ones.
"We are excited to start the 'Don't Dump It, Donate It!' program," said Beach Pantry's Assistant Director Christina Limon. "Every donation helps extend the life of usable items while directly supporting CSULB students. It's a meaningful way for our campus community to give back, reduce waste, and help fellow students. Together we are creating a more sustainable campus."
Want to be part of this initiative?
In addition to accepting food donations, the Beach Pantry accepts donations of select household goods that can benefit fellow students. Commonly accepted items include:
- Fans
- Clothing
- Bedding
- Pillows
- School supplies
To ensure donations are useful and respectful to recipients, the Pantry asks donors to contribute only items that are clean, functional, and in good condition. A good rule of thumb: if you would not want to receive the item yourself, please do not donate it.
By keeping usable items out of the landfill and making them available to students who need them, the Beach Pantry is helping create a more sustainable and supportive campus community.
For more information about donating or accessing resources, contact the Beach Pantry at asi-pantry@csulb.edu or 562-985-5264.
