May 07, 2026
SIU launches expanded “Give Before You Go” program to benefit local community
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is strengthening its commitment to sustainability and community engagement through an enhanced “Give Before You Go” initiative, a collaborative effort designed to reduce waste while directly supporting local residents in need.
The program encourages students moving out of residence halls to donate gently used and unused items at designated campus drop-off locations.
This year, the program is expanding its impact through a coordinated partnership between the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, the SIU Office of Sustainability, and Don't Dirty the Dale volunteer group.
Through this collaboration, collected items will be gathered daily and distributed throughout the Carbondale community by Don’t Dirty the Dale, ensuring donations reach individuals and families who can benefit most.
Accepted donation items include:
- Refrigerators and small appliances.
- Gently used clothing and shoes.
- Non-perishable, unopened food items.
- Household and office supplies.
Drop-off locations are at:
- Lentz Hall.
- Wall and Grand Apartments.
- Schneider Hall.
- Mae Smith Hall.
- Neely Hall.
Program organizers say the partnerships “allows us to take a program that has always been successful in collecting items and ensure those items are meaningfully redistributed within our community. It’s a win for sustainability and a win for Carbondale.”
By connecting student move-out efforts with local distribution networks, SIU is reducing landfill waste while reinforcing its role as a community partner. The initiative reflects the university’s ongoing dedication to environmental stewardship, service, and supporting the region it calls home.
For more information about the Give Before You Go program, contact the SIU Office of Sustainability or Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.