MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — As Middle Tennessee State University prepares to welcome students back for the fall semester next month, members of the Blue Raider community are encouraged to help make move-in a little easier by donating new and gently used household items to the annual Free Cycle on campus.

Hosted by MT One Stop, the event provides students with essential items for their dorm rooms and apartments at no cost during move-in weekend.

“The number of students utilizing Free Cycle has increased every year, along with the array of donations. So we need the Blue Raider community at large to help us stock up and make it the best one yet,” said Melanie Crowder, outreach coordinator who organizes the giveaway.

Held in the Student Services and Admissions Center lobby, Free Cycle will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 22. Donations are being accepted now through Friday, Aug. 21.

Sought-after items include small appliances like coffee pots and blenders, extra-long twin sheets and comforters for dormitory beds, towels, bath mats, storage bins of various sizes, lightweight dishes and utensils, and small furniture items that fit in a dorm. Dorm décor is also welcome, Crowder noted.

“No clothing or large furniture can be accepted, but nearly everything else that makes a dorm or apartment feel like home is fair game,” said Crowder, noting that the program, which launched in 2022, served over 200 students last year.

While Free Cycle is “pretty much cleaned out” by noon on event days, Crowder said, any items left after the event are donated to local nonprofits, extending the circle of generosity beyond campus.

“Toiletries come in handy, too,” added Crowder, noting that new toiletries — even travel-size items — are helpful for those students who struggle to afford basic needs like food, let alone hygiene products. They rely on the generosity of others.

Students ‘so appreciative’

For incoming students, Free Cycle is more than a giveaway — it’s a warm welcome and a much-needed boost for many. And for the first 100 students who arrive, a complimentary food bag adds an extra layer of support during move‑in weekend.

“I’ve had students cry. They just can’t believe this sort of thing is available to them,” Crowder said. “I’ve had students say, ‘I wouldn’t have had a blanket if this wasn’t available.’ They are so appreciative and humble.”

Free Cycle isn’t just about affordability — it’s also part of campus sustainability practices.

“Instead of tossing perfectly usable household goods into the landfill, we can provide them for students free of charge,” Crowder said.

MT One Stop is also home to the newly rebranded food pantry, the Lightning Stop.

All year long, students can pick up shelf-stable pantry items to fulfill any food insecurities they may face. Donated items can be dropped off anytime, and the Lightning Stop has an online wish list where people can easily schedule donations to be delivered.

In addition to donations, Crowder will need volunteers willing to help set up the Free Cycle makeshift marketplace. Volunteers are also needed to staff the event as well as clean up afterward.

To schedule a drop-off time between now and Aug. 21, or to volunteer to help with the event, email [email protected]. The admissions center is located at 1860 Blue Raider Drive.

— Nancy DeGennaro ([email protected])