Griff Gives Programs

Overview 

Emerson currently sends nearly 80 percent of our waste to the trash stream. To increase our waste diversion rate, Campus Services partners annually with departments across campus and with external organizations to divert as much end-of-semester waste as possible from the trash and give donations a new life.

Donations from fall move-out are given back to student for free during our Free Shop semester kick-off shopping event. After Spring move-out, dorm specific items are donated to Grad Bag, used and unused bags will be donated to the SUS Reborn Initiative, books go to More Than Words, housewares and clothing are donated to Goodwill, and unopened food and toiletries will be donated to Emerson’s Student Success Food Pantry. Many of these items are also stored over the summer for free distribution to Emerson students during move-in through Griff’s Sustainable Living Program.

Collection Locations

• Piano Row: main lobby, outside laundry room
• 2 Boylston Place: main lobby 
• Colonial: 5th floor lounge
• Little Building: storage space past the mail room on the right (open 9am – 8pm)
• Paramount: 6th floor lounge

Donations for Spring 2026 will be accepted during the following dates:

• ALL locations are open 4/24 at 12pm – 5/2 at 12pm. 
• ONLY the Little Building collection location is open 5/2 at 12pm – 5/10 at 12pm. 

How to Donate Mini-Fridges & Microwaves

Mini-fridges and microwaves cannot be left in rooms for donation. Please follow the instructions below instead:

1. Clean and/or defrost your mini-fridge and/or microwave
2. You can check out a hand truck in the Little Building storage area past the mailroom to help move your appliance.
3. You must bring you appliance to the Little Building storage area past the mailroom for donation.

Little Building storage area hours:

• April 24: 12-8pm
• April 25 – May 9: 9am-8pm
• May 10: 9am-12pm 

Important info: If mini-fridges & microwaves are left in residence hall rooms, students will be charged the usual housing fee for not completing the move-out checklist. This applies to students fully moving out of rooms.

Overview

The annual Emerson College Griff Gives Sustainable Living Program is designed to support your success and promote sustainable living whether you will be living on or off campus in Boston.

The Griff Gives Sustainable Living Program offers Emerson students studying on the Boston campus the opportunity to receive necessary room items through generous donations from Emerson students during the end-of-semester Griff Gives Sustainable Move-Out Program and Grad Bag. Our goal is to ensure that you have the room essentials for a comfortable living environment while also contributing to reducing waste and encouraging the reuse of goods. 

Why Participate?

• Get Free Room Essentials: Receive donated room items such as bedding, kitchenware, and storage solutions. Please note that we are unable to accommodate specific requests and can only distribute items that have been previously donated. 
• Promote Sustainability: Help reduce waste by reusing goods and supporting eco-friendly practices on campus.
• Enhance Your Living Experience: Ensure your on or off-campus room is well-equipped and comfortable, providing you with a little financial relief, and allowing you to focus on your studies and enjoy your time at Emerson College.

How to Participate:

More details on how to participate will be shared closer to the event. Please check back here for updates.

Please note: You’ll be able to attend the event as soon as you receive your Emerson College ID during your residence hall check-in or at the Welcome Center. Unfortunately, we are unable to grant students access to the event before they receive their Emerson College ID.

We believe that by working together, we can create a more sustainable campus and ensure every student has access to the essentials they need for a successful academic journey.