Household Item Giveaway for UW International Students is Aug. 25

The annual household item giveaway for international students attending the University of Wyoming is scheduled Saturday, Aug. 25, in the parking and circle drive area south of the Cheney International Center.

Those with items to donate are asked to enter between 11th and 12th streets off of Ivinson Avenue between 7-7:45 a.m. The students will be allowed to take items beginning at 8 a.m.

“New international students at UW often cannot bring the household essentials for their kitchens, bedrooms, etc., with them when they travel,” says Maria Almendares, student/scholar immigration coordinator in the International Students and Scholars (ISS) office. “Through the generosity of our UW and Laramie communities, our students are often able to gather the items they need without having to purchase everything to start their new homes here.”

Only the following items on this list will be accepted:

-- Dishes and other kitchenware, and small appliances.

-- Household decor items, such as curtains.

-- Furniture. People who donate furniture are asked to stay and help students move furniture to their apartments or homes.

-- Winter wear, such as coats, sweatshirts, hats, scarves, gloves and boots.

-- Bedding, blankets, sheets, towels, etc.

-- Children’s items, such as toys, books, furniture and other decor materials.

Almendares asks that nonwinter clothing and shoes not be donated this year, and to please make sure items are clean and as good as new.

“We ask that you stay and enjoy the company of our students during the event, and take any of your leftover items with you when the event is over, usually by 9 a.m.,” Almendares says.

ISS does not have any space to store items before the event; however, a local church has offered to store items and bring them to the giveaway if no other arrangements can be made. To request an early drop-off, email uwglobal@uwyo.edu.

For more information about the event, call the ISS office at (307) 766-5193 or email uwglobal@uwyo.edu.