Donations, volunteers needed for UTSA Move In Market

AUGUST 2, 2023 — UTSA is accepting everything from home décor to nonperishable food items for its second annual Move In Market, one of dozens of events taking place during the university’s start-of-school celebration, Roadrunner Days. This event is hosted by the Student Union Roadrunner Pantry/Whataburger Resource Room. The Market aims to provide basic needs for students so they can focus on their educational goals and achieve success. 

The Move In Market will offer thousands of items, free of charge, to students in need as the fall semester begins. The market will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 19 at the former UTSA Child Development Center (BK Lot 5), 6800 N. Loop 1604 E (behind University Oaks) at the Main Campus.

Last year, more than 6,000 gently used items were donated, benefitting more than 700 students. Nikki Lee, senior associate director of the UTSA Student Union who supervises the Whataburger Resource Rooms, said the planning team expects to help even more students this year, made possible by the generous support of others.

“The Move In Market is really a great opportunity, especially for new students, to meet our pantry team, learn about the resources we have to offer, all year.”

“This is really a community event; our faculty, staff, and surrounding community neighbors are the ones helping put this together with their donations,” she said. “So far, we’ve had thousands of items already dropped off by members of our community.”

On the day of the Move In Market, students can check in with their RowdyLink event pass and get a $20 credit limit to shop for things they need such as kitchenware, clothing, shoes, bags, furniture, linen, exercise equipment and home goods.

Lee says the credit limit goes a long way.

“With $20 of move-in money, students in need can get a desk, pots and pans, and two blouses,” Lee said. “You can get a lot.”

Popular items from last year’s event included kitchenware and appliances such as Instapots, can openers and microwaveable dishes.

“What we could really use more of this year are things like hangers and reusable bags that students can use when they go shopping,” she said. “We’re also accepting new item donations such as nonperishable food, school supplies and toiletries.”

Student Union student staff members Maryorie Perez, graduate assistant, and Nicole Lind, undergraduate student manager in training at the Whataburger Resource Room, have been separating and organizing thousands of items into six rooms for a better shopping experience.

“We’ve been working on this for months,” Lind said. “We’ve spent a lot of time and energy on getting this ready, and I am excited to be a part of this. So many students will benefit from it.”

“The Move In Market is really a great opportunity, especially for new students, to meet our pantry team, learn about the resources we have to offer, all year,” said Perez, who helped with last year’s event. “Just come prepared. Bring a friend to help, because there are so many things you’ll find that you can use throughout the semester – like school supplies, clothing. There’s even a donated couch that could be yours.”

Donations can be dropped off at the former UTSA Child Development Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday until August 14.

Volunteers are also needed on the day of the event to help students as they shop. Email roadrunnerpantry@utsa.edu to volunteer.

Roadrunner Days, held at the start of each fall and spring semester, immerses new and returning students in the culture, traditions and values of UTSA. This fall, Roadrunner Days will run from August 19 to September 2. The celebration features a full line-up of events, seminars and socials that will help students develop a sense of belonging at the university, encourage them to meet new people and introduce them to university resources that will help them succeed on campus and in the classroom.

— Michelle Gaitan