Dumpsgiving: A fundraising strategy for Solidarity Networks

Dumpsgiving: one bad-ass fundraiser

PLEASE CONTACT COMMON GROUND IF YOUR COLLEGE PLANS TO DO THIS FUNDRAISER.

(Scroll to bottom to download flyer about Dumpsgiving)

Each spring, students throughout the country are liberated from their 
academic obligations. They leave campus, throwing away furniture, 
rugs, appliances, and electronics. Each fall, bright-eyed first years 
arrive to institutional and empty dorms. They buy new furniture, rugs, 
appliances and electronics. Save the environment, raise funds for 
Common Ground and score some loot for yourselves by collecting dorm 
stuffings in the spring, cleaning them in the summer and selling them 
to first years in the fall. 


HOW TO GUIDE: 


1.THINK BIG!!! You will need a large vehicle, storage space, and lots 
of help. Make sure your storage space is dry to avoid mold and rust. 


2. Get permission from your school. They might help find or finance 
space and vehicles. School support will be key for no-hastle 
collection in the spring and a good selling location in the fall.

3.Troll dormitories and drop zones for loot as and after students leave. DO NOT STEAL PEOPLE'S STUFF!!! No single score is worth messing with your karma or criminal record. Rugs and mini-fridges are big sellers. Couches and chairs are great, but bulky. 


4.Vacuum and wet-vac rugs. Rent wet-vacs from your local supermarket. 
Do not roll the carpets up until completely dried. Sterilize 
refrigerators. Wear gloves and a face-mask to avoid mold, dust and dirt.

5. Set up loot in a central location during orientation week. Target 
freshmen and their parents. Rugs, minifridges and furniture sell 
easily for $40 to $100. Many parents are prepared to spend more on 
new stuff. 


6. When the fundraiser is complete, exchange cash for money order and 
send to the currently listed Common Ground Relief mailbox. DO NOT send cash through the mail.

7. Feel good about yourself: this fundraiser is both humanitarian and 
environmentally friendly.