Neighborhood market: Item swap and food drive

On April 20 and April 21, the Climbing Club and Sustainability Club hosted the Neighborhood market item swap and food drive. The food drive collected donations for the campus food pantry, while the item swap allowed people to donate items like clothing, books, and more.

Both events took place throughout the day, with donations and item exchanges happening from morning to evening in Room BE1110, located near the International Programs Office.

Donations for both events were made primarily on April 20. The item swap received so many contributions that organizers had to bring in extra tables. On the food drive side, more students than staff participated, with a friendly competition encouraging donations of canned food and bottled beverages like apple juice.

Holly Brusse Clothing items laid out with pairs of shoes underneath for the item swap

The following day, the events generated even more buzz thanks to the Empowerment Involvement Fair happening nearby, which drew additional traffic through word of mouth. Although some people were confused about the food drive, assuming they were allowed to take the food being donated to the pantry, the misunderstanding was quickly resolved.

All of the donations had already been collected the day before and were delivered to the food pantry on the third floor of the main school building, where students can access food if needed.

Holly Brusse | The Seattle Collegian Shirts and pants folded for the item swap

Overall, the event was a success. Most of the donated items were picked up by students and some of the staff members at the Summit Learning Center across the street, many of whom successfully found the items they were looking for.

Any leftover items from the swap were donated to anyone in need of clothing or other helpful items.