As a member of Michigan State Greek life, many of us have – or plan to – live in our houses for at least one semester before we graduate. After said live-in, there are many paths we can travel as we decide where we are going to live the following semester. We could live-in again, move into a house or an apartment, dropout of college, or (hopefully) graduate and start our lives fresh in a completely different city. No matter which of these we choose, with the exception of living-in again, we will either be looking to buy new, or get rid of, old household appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators and TVs, as we make our moves.

When making his own move to America to receive his MBA, Steven To was welcomed in his dorm lobby by a pile of discarded, completely functional items such as those mentioned above. Baffled by these perfectly usable items going to waste when so many students buy these items new every year, To created an organization called Move In Move Out, known as MIMO. Their mission is to “recycle everything thrown out and wasted in local communities.” MIMO, although created at Northwestern University, has since started a chapter at MSU. 

Recommended for you

8 Easy Ways to Get Involved in College

11 College Misconceptions Every Incoming Freshman Needs To Know

So what does all of this mean? If you are a student moving to a new location and no longer have use for a household item that is still in good condition, you can set up an appointment with MIMO, online, and arrange for them to pick it up. Then MIMO sells the item, online, to a student in need who is planning to move into a new home. The proceeds from this exchange are donated to the local charity of your choice. Yes, that's right, another opportunity to donate to your philanthropy!    

As members of Greek life, we live and breathe philanthropy and jump at any opportunity to help charities. This is simply another, incredibly easy, way to do so.  MIMO will be doing a round of collections on June 26 and June 27. If you have any item to donate, you can make your appointment at http://www.movingmimo.com/MSU.html and MIMO will come to you and pick up your greatly appreciated donation. 

For those of you who want to help the cause, but have nothing to donate, MIMO is also looking for volunteers to help with collections for these two dates. If interested, please contact me, Lauren Shields, at shield67@msu.edu. Greek life members showing their support will help unite Michigan State University as well as our city of East Lansing. 

Support your fellow students, support your philanthropy, support MIMO!