From August 17 through 23, 2026, more than 10,000 people shopped at Project ReCollect, finding affordable furniture, clothing, household goods, toys, and other useful items donated by Cornell students and members of the community.

Project ReCollect began this year in May and June with the generosity of departing students and the broader community, who donated a record volume of items for resale. More than 50 volunteers from Cornell and the community stepped up to contribute hundreds of hours of their time and energy to pickups, sorting, merchandising, sales, administration, and cleanup at our storefront at The Shops at Ithaca Mall. 

Through the sale and the redistribution of unsold merchandise, we estimate Project ReCollect kept more than 70 tons of reusable goods out of the landfill and grossed $99,000 before costs. Net proceeds from the Project ReCollect sale will support Cops, Kids & Toys and its holiday gift program that provides gifts to children throughout Tompkins County.

Items not sold were given to the local nonprofits, including Tompkins Community Action, IHS Community Closet, Finger Lakes Pregnancy Care Center, Ithaca Children’s Garden, Lilypad Puppet Theater, Child Development Council, Finger Lakes Toy Library, Unbroken Promise Initiative, Montour Falls United Methodist Church, and No Mas Lagrimas. Everything else has been offered to Goodwill, with pickup confirmation pending.

Project ReCollect’s impact reaches far beyond just one week in August. Donors gave reusable items a second life. Shoppers gained access to affordable necessities and unexpected treasures. Local organizations received goods to support their work, and the net proceeds will help Cops, Kids & Toys continue bringing holiday joy to local children.

Thank you to every donor, shopper, volunteer, and community partner who made it possible. We appreciate you!