The Dump and Run Ithaca Sale is a sale that helps the students of Cornell with providing inexpensive, but still very nice dorm room and apartment supplies. We are a sale that is for the students of Cornell first and foremost, however the community is also invited to attend. The Dump and Run Sale is possible because of generous Cornell students donating clothes, and other dorm and apartment goods to be used for the sale. Cornell students, the Cornell employees that support the sale by collecting the goods left and advertise the sale to the students, as well as our many volunteers make Dump and Run Ithaca possible.
How do you obtain the materials that make up the Dump and Run Ithaca Sale?
The majority of the materials that make up the Dump and Run Ithaca Sale come from Cornell University Students. Community members also donate items to Dump and Run, as they know the money raised is all going to charities that support Tompkins County, New York residents.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteer sign up is located on the Volunteer Page. Volunteers cannot be people that resell merchandise.
How does Bag Sale Day work?
Bag Sale Day is the last day of the sale. It is a favorite day for volunteers and the customers alike. At Bag Sale Day, we will give you a bag to use. Each bag filled will cost $20. The bags are large and heavy duty. Items that do not fit into bags, are 50% off on that day only. We supply heavy duty bags, which hold a lot of items, so please be careful when packing your bag. The customers must be able to carry their bags out to their car. Bring a friend to help, we CANNOT hold merchandise or bags for folks this year due to a lack of space.
What is new for the 2023 Dump and Run Sale?
TBA
Why aren't all days of the sale open to the public?
Cornell students and students from Ithaca College donate items to be sold for the Dump and Run Sale. Because the sale is not possible without their generosity, the volunteers that run the sale felt that they, the Cornell students and other college students in the area have a right to attend the sale and get what they need without waiting in line for hours. There are many special items that are in the back that will be used to restock clothing, bedding, and other areas of the store, so there will be special items for the public when the sale is open for everyone on the weekend. We will be putting new clothing out and keeping the racks full until we run out of items in the back of the store. Children's clothing will be out for Bag Sale Day, although there are a few coats that will be out prior and will likely go before Bag Sale Day takes place.
How is the money raised by Dump and Run used?
All money raised through Dump and Run after all expenses are paid is used to support charities in Tompkins County, New York. The largest charity that Dump and Run Ithaca supports is Cops, Kids and Toys, an organization that is over 40 years old that helps children in Tompkins County with holiday gifts. In 2022, Cops, Kids and Toys supported over 450 families and over 1,000 children. Cops, Kids and Toys also helps families with car seat installation and donations. Dump and Run also provides materials from the sale to local food banks, schools, Friends of the Library, animal shelters and rescues, child care centers, mental health facilities at the local hospital, as well as local churches that give clothing to families in our community. The volunteers work hard to make sure that everything that is usable and that isn't sold or can't be sold, but still has life left in it, is donated back to the community.
What forms of payment are taken during the sale?
Dump and Run will take cash, credit, debit and Apple Pay as payment during the sale.
My local college student leaves for college prior to the sale. Is it possible to open the sale earlier?
Unfortunately, we are not able to open the sale up earlier to college students. We do hold a pre-sale for volunteers that have volunteered for 20 hours or more before we open the sale to students, so your student can volunteer 20 or more hours to attend the volunteer pre-sale.
Why aren't you open to all from day one of the sale?
Dump and Run is possible because of the generous students of Cornell that leave their belongings behind for volunteers to sort through and sell. The students make Dump and Run possible and we want the students to get first dibs on the belongs that were left behind. There is plenty for all and we will be replenishing clothing throughout the sale. The specials are mixed in throughout the batches of clothing and we will still have clothing to put out on Saturday and likely for Sunday, Bag Sale Day!
What happens with the items that do not sell?
Items that do not sell after Bag Sale Day, are offered to not for profits that will give away the items to those they support. If you have a not for profit that would like to be considered to come in and take what is needed for the people you serve, please email us at Info@DumpAndRunIthaca.com and we will set up an appointment closer to the sale dates for after the sale. Appointments are done on a first come, first served basis. Clients may not come to this, only representatives from the not for profit.