Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John's University students, alongside faculty and staff, participated in the annual St. John’s Saves move-out initiative, which gathered over 3.5 metric tons of donations including food, clothing, and household items. The collected goods were distributed to several organizations such as the Dax Program for homeless students, St. John’s Bread & Life food pantry in Brooklyn, NY, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Long Island, and Better World Books.

Lily Broedel ’25C commented on the initiative saying, “This should be the norm...Some people do not have the money to buy a nice top or cannot buy shoes for a job interview, and they deserve to have them.”

The collection bins were available from May 1 to 16 at residence halls and St. Thomas More Church. Volunteers regularly emptied these bins and moved items to Donovan Hall for sorting before final distribution on May 16 by truck.

Jason T. Bartlett, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Residence Life who organized the effort stated that nearly 160 community members participated over the event's duration.

McKenzie Crissman ’24C noted the importance of established relationships with partner organizations: “I know where the food is going, and I have seen what Bread & Life does.”

The sustainability initiative aims to divert waste from landfills during student move-outs in May and June. The effort began last year as part of broader contributions from various university departments inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si'.

Dr. Bartlett highlighted their goal: “We save resources from the landfill and give them new life.”

A portion of donated business attire was directed to University Career Services’ Career Closet to aid students needing professional wardrobes for interviews.

Ellen Burti emphasized this benefit: “These contributions enable students who might not own business attire to build a professional wardrobe.”