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ShareFest, a Butler County communitywide effort to collect reusable items from Miami University students, taking place in Oxford through Monday, May 12.

Collected items will be distributed to residents in need, throughout Oxford and Butler County.

Move-out week is one of the busiest weeks in Oxford. Many students leave Oxford during the summer, and simply cannot take everything with them.

Much of the trash standing along the streets during move-out week includes quality, reusable items. In early 2005, a small group of concerned citizens, city staff and service organization members founded ShareFest to collect such items.

Collection of items prevents waste and promotes cleanliness. Best of all, usable items go to people who need them most.

Families are served by local agencies, such as The Family Resource Center, Butler County Children Services and Job & Family Services.

In 2006, 270 families were served throughout the county; in 2007, more than 300 families benefited from ShareFest.

In some cases, families were able to fill entire homes with items such as couches, beds, dressers, desks and kitchen tables.

In addition, many teenagers received high-quality clothing items. Many food items were distributed through the Summer Harvest Food Drive, benefiting residents seeking food relief through the Oxford Community Choice Pantry.

Needed donations include furniture, small appliances, nonperishable foods, kitchenware, unused toiletries, school supplies, cleaning supplies and tools.

Uniformed ShareFest volunteers will pick up donations at the curb through Monday. For special pickups, call Jamey Rutschilling, at (513) 330-2095 or e-mail at sharefestoxford@gmail.com.

Donations may also be made at the Oxford Church of God and Candlewood Terrace Apartments, along with drop off points in designated residence hall locations.

For information on donating and volunteering, visit www.muohio.edu/sharefest.

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