As the semester comes to a close, students might wonder what they will do with extra or unwanted food and clothing items in their residence hall, apartment or home.

While some students might not be able to or want to take these items home with them over break or after graduating, there are alternatives to simply throwing those items away, said Rachel Fisher, the director of Student Community Service.

There are several locations in both Mattoon and Charleston that would gladly accept unwanted food and clothing items from students, she said.

“There are a number of locations that can take items,” she said. “ I would recommend a few.”

Food

One of the most impactful donations students can make as winter approaches is unwanted food, Fisher said.

One of the best locations students can donate food is the Charleston Food Pantry, 990 W. State St., Charleston. Open 1:30 to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the food pantry accepts non-perishable and unexpired foods during its business hours.

As well, Fisher recommended students donate items to the Salvation Army, 1300 Richmond Ave., Mattoon.

Melvin Malave, a cashier at the Salvation Army, said the organization is always in need of food to keep its food pantry well stocked and able to fully supply local families in need.

Another local organization that accepts food items is Standing Stone Community Center, 201 Sixth St., Charleston.

Clothing

Beyond food donations, Fisher said students can also donate any clothing items they do not want anymore or cannot transport back home.

The Salvation Army and Standing Stone Community Center are great places to donate clothing items, Fisher said.

The only guidelines students should follow, he said, is to be sure the clothing items are not moldy and do not have tears or stains. Beyond those guidelines, the organization is open to nearly any clothing items.

Tim Deters can be reached at 581-2812 or tadeters@eiu.edu.