As the cost of living continues to rise, some University of Southern Mississippi (USM) students are finding relief in an unexpected place: the Office of Sustainability.
This semester, the office is helping students prepare for classes by offering free school supplies, all collected through donations from fellow students during “Move Out Madness.” The program encourages students to donate reusable goods rather than throw them away when leaving campus for the summer.
“These supplies come from a program we call ‘Move Out Madness’,” said Melissa Olsen, manager of sustainable operations. “We ask students to donate instead of throw away. This helps keep reusable goods out of the landfills.”
Because of these donations, incoming students are able to start the semester with fewer financial worries. Olsen said the impact goes beyond just saving money.
“It’s so rewarding when students come up and hug me, sharing their stories about how they struggled when they first arrived at USM,” Olsen said. “Finding certain types of textbooks saved them a few hundred dollars. Those hugs of thanks—oh, that just warms my heart. It’s great.”
Students across all departments have benefited from the program, which provides everything from paper and pencils to textbooks. Recycling coordinator Alice Legg said seeing students’ relief motivates her to continue the work each year.
“Freshmen will come up worried that they can’t afford paper or pencils,” Legg said. “When they find out it’s free, their eyes light up. We remind them that they have the semester before them to thank for that.”
The Office of Sustainability says the program not only eases financial strain but also teaches students the value of recycling and giving back.
“It’s a reminder that sometimes small donations can make a big difference,” Olsen said
Students can donate items to the Office of Sustainability in Hickman Hall at any point during the year.
