Not everyone involved with Habitat for Humanity has to take part in the hard work involved with building a house. Helping the cause is as simple as donating all the blankets taking up space in the closet.
The Student Advocating Service of The University of Memphis is hosting an end-of-semester "Habitat Housewarming part for Humanity" Friday, April 21, in room 218 of The University Center in hopes of raising enough goods to furnish the new homes developed by Habitat for Humanity.
"The objective is to collect household items to go in these homes, and we're gearing (the party) toward students about to move out of the dorms," said LaTonya Gray, chair of drive for the SAS.
Students moving out are encouraged to bring unwanted items like towels, tablecloths, curtains, blankets, canisters, trash cans, silverware, dishes, household electronics, appliances and any other household items.
"I clean out my closet and dorm every semester and always have a lot of stuff to get rid of," said Brittany Foster, a freshman nursing major and Rawls Hall resident. "I wish I would have known about this since I threw away a bunch of stuff a week ago."
Starting at 5:30 p.m. and lasting until 7, the event includes food, movies, music and games. The entrance fee is at least one donated item.
Taylor Johnson, a senior Spanish major, likes the opportunity for donation.
"I always have a lot of stuff I don't want when I move out. I usually take things to Goodwill, but this is easier and a good cause," she said. "Plus, I'll take things home, and they're never used there anyway."
This is the first year the program has been offered by SAS. Those involved hope to see it continue.
"We're not sure of the outcome or how much will be collected, but either way, we're planning to do this again, and we really want to see (the event) implemented," Gray said.
