RWU’s Sustainability Club recently held a grand opening for a student-led Thrift Center, located next to the Commuter Lounge in Stonewall 4, as a free, shared resource available for all students and staff to donate and access.

News of the on-campus Thrift Center spread rapidly, with over 40 students lining up for the grand opening and many ready to donate.

At the opening, students enjoyed the cozy vibes of the old commuter lounge, free refreshments, and music as they waited for their party to be called inside. Once inside the Center, customers can browse the variety of clothing items and accessories, ranging from casual and formal, to athletic and vintage. When customers are ready to “purchase,” they head over to the desk to check in with the desk volunteer and are all set to enjoy their new items.

When talking with Frankie Sparrow, President of Sustainability Club, about the process for establishing a Thrift Center, they revealed that their inspiration came from their cousin’s efforts of opening an on-campus thrift center at another university. Sparrow then came up with the Thrift Center as a course project for Sustainability 401 last spring.

RWU’s campus has experienced a fair-share of Thrift Pop-Up Events, but a more permanent solution was needed and Project Thrift Center has expanded into a year-long trial for a community-orientated resource in partnership with Feminist United and Collegiate Entrepreneur Organization. Sustainability Club’s general members were excited to see people using a space for a common interest in thrifting, while contributing to their campus’ sustainability and accessibility to goods.

Now, Center hours are dependent on volunteer availability and if students are interested in volunteering, they are encouraged to contact the Thrift Center’s Instagram account, @rwuthrift, or email at [email protected].

With Spring Break approaching, Sustainability Club asks for students and staff interested in donating, to donate clothing, accessories, and appliances either within the Center, or in the donation bins located in GHH and North Residence Hall.

Getting involved with the Center is not only beneficial for reducing waste, it cultivates stewardship and culture around accessibility and sustainability within the campus community. Sustainability Club hopes that together, students can make a difference.

Interested in helping with more sustainable projects or have an interest in sustainability? Attend the Sustainability Club’s meetings every-other Tuesday in the QTRAC at 8pm.