Despite being physically apart, University members unite to help one another while reducing landfill waste. In December, a successful book drive collection helped replenish the Little Free Libraries in the Rochester community. The annual eyeglasses collection and departmental competition will be held in March and is an opportunity for University departments to earn bragging rights while helping others receive eye care.
Since 2014, the University has implemented the Little Free Library project “to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide and to build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations.” Based on the idea of “take a book, leave a book,” the project helps give books a new life in the hands of others in the community. Read more about the University of Rochester’s Little Free Library locations here.
In December, a book drive collected a total of 310 books to help replenish Rochester’s Little Free Library program. Here is a breakdown of the types of books collected:
- 232 Children’s Books
- 45 Adult Fiction/Novels
- 16 Cook Books
- 10 Art/History/Non-Fiction
- 7 Advice/Self-help
Sustainability Coordinator Amy Kadrie says, “Home clean-outs have been a popular thing during the pandemic and it was nice is to see so many people jump on the opportunity to donate their unwanted books to benefit this program. Their books will now be enjoyed again by new readers.”
The March 2021 Eyeglass Collection is another opportunity to donate unused items that can be repurposed by others. Facilities Team Green partners with the Lions Eye Bank at Rochester. The collected glasses are sent to the Lions Club where program volunteers clean, sort, and package the glasses. Usable glasses are then sent to those in need, mostly in developing countries. Various types of glasses for children and adults are needed, including various prescriptions as well as reading glasses and non-prescription sunglasses.
To donate, place glasses in any box or envelope and send them by mail or through the University’s intramural mail program to:
University Mail Services
Box 270001
Rochester, NY 14627-0001
Departmental Competition
In the competitive spirit of the Campus Race to Zero Waste, we are challenging departments to compete to collect the most eyeglasses and see who creates the most “eye-catching” collection box. If you wish to participate, be sure to place your collection box in a central location and promote the program within your department. Due to the pandemic and remote work, you may choose to offer your department members the option to mail in their glasses. If you choose to decorate your box, a panel of judges from the Lions Eye Bank at Rochester will vote on which they consider to be the most attractive, or “eye-catching”. See the webpage with printable flyer for full details.
To register, please email Amy Kadrie by March 12, including your department name, location, and a primary contact person. The two winning departments will receive a certificate from the Lions Eye Bank at Rochester and special acknowledgment on our social media platforms. More importantly, you will have bragging rights!
Written by Emily Su, Class of 2022
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