On Feb. 22, the ETSU Department of Sustainability offered free clothing to the students and staff on campus. This event was an opportunity that made materials like clothing and school supplies accessible to those who may need it.
“I wanted to offer a resource to students, faculty and staff,” said Sustainability Coordinator Erica Malpass.
She explained further that today’s prices of resources nearly make them unavailable, and because of that, there is a huge financial burden within the community. Malpass wanted to show that the Department of Sustainability will provide for the ETSU community when it can.
The pop-up shop is currently only being offered once a month, but Malpass shared that the Department of Sustainability would like to increase the amount in which the shop is offered. Everything they offer, however, is provided directly through donations.
These donations come straight from the ETSU community, especially during the residence halls’ move-out clean-out events. In order to keep the shop up and running, they must receive material to give back to the students and staff of ETSU.
A great thing about this process is that nothing goes to waste. These donations go straight to the Department of Sustainability where they are sorted through. This is where they are checked to be clean, as well as to not be torn or too worn out.
“The ones we can’t keep we donate to non-profits in the area,” expressed Malpass. No matter what is donated, it will end up going to someone who needs it even if it is not someone who is a member of the ETSU community.
The idea for this shop was brought about by Erica Malpass herself. After taking the position here at ETSU, she wanted to do something impactful. She observed that other universities were starting free stores for their students, and she realized that ETSU could offer something like that as well.
She expressed specifically that she “thought we could do it and have something to offer students, faculty and staff that is meaningful.” Because of her initiative, the shop was officially established in February 2022.
Business thus far has been going well, and the shop has received a lot of quick and positive responses. While it is currently only a pop-up shop, Miss Malpass did express her future goals for this to become something a bit more permanent.
“I would love to see an actual storefront on campus, that way it’s always accessible.”
The Department of Sustainability will continue to work in harmony with the ETSU community in order to provide this opportunity for those who will benefit from it.
Check out their social media source on Instagram @gogreenetsu for more information on when the next shop will be held as well as how to donate to keep this business going.
