Northwest Technical College has opened a free store called the NTC Closet for the campus community.
According to a release, the community can reduce, reuse and recycle common household items and clothing within NTC’s student lounge.
Student senate president Wyatt Miller said the NTC Food Pantry, which opened in 2020, has been successful and heavily used.
“In collaboration with the Student Success Center, our Student Senate decided to launch the NTC Closet,” Miller said.
“Our hope is students will help themselves to the winter coats, household items, hygienic items and everything else we have for them to take as they need. We have already seen students taking some items that they need.”
The closet is open to currently enrolled students, and is supported by donations from students, faculty, staff and the United Way of Bemidji Area.
Following Bemidji State University’s Free Store model, the NTC Closet hopes to save students the expense of buying new products and prevent these items from ending up in a landfill.
Since 2010, BSU’s Free Store has donated 1,650 binders, 1,715 books, 3,650 kitchen items, 1,625 pairs of pants, 365 professional suits and 460 winter clothing items to students.
All member of the campus community are welcome to donate clean, functional items ready to be enjoyed by someone else. Items accepted include:
- Books
- Clothing – clean and in good condition.
- Electronics – in working condition, with necessary accessories.
- Ethernet Cords/HDMI Cords.
- Extension Cords/Power Strips.
- Folders/Binders.
- Non-perishable food – unopened, regardless of date label.
- Notebooks – please tear out any used pages.
- Notepads/Post-Its.
- Pens/Pencils/Erasers
- Plates/Cups/Bowls/Utensils – clean.
- Pots/Pans/Baking & Cookware – clean.
- Printers – in working condition, with necessary accessories.
- Shoes – clean and in good condition.
- Small Kitchen Appliances – clean and functional.
- Winter Apparel – clean and in good condition.
