Cram & Scram

How Does Cram & Scram Work?

At the end of the spring semester, donation drop-off stations are located across campus. Students can leave unwanted items they no longer need as they move out.

Student volunteers collect, sort and categorize the donated materials. Usable items are stored until the annual Cram & Scram resale event at the beginning of the fall semester, when they are made available to Hamilton students and employees at discounted prices. Some items are donated to local community partners rather than resold.

Cram & Scram helps reduce campus waste while giving usable items a second life and providing affordable goods to the Hamilton community.

What can you donate?

• Microwaves and minifridges 
• Storage containers
• Any dishware or cookware
• Fans
• Mirrors
• School supplies
• Humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers
• Lamps
• Utility carts
• Headboards
• Waste containers
• Coffee tables
• Nonperishable food items
• Unopened cleaning supplies or toiletries 
• Vacuums
• Chairs
• Upholstered furniture
• Cabinets
• Bookcases
• Bed risers
• Hangers
• Any unwanted solid waste items!

Popular Items for sale

• Lamps
• Storage containers
• Dishware (mugs, plates, bowls, etc.)
• Kitchenware (utensils, pots, pans, coffee makers, etc.)
• Mini Fridges
• Fans
• Utility carts
• Hangers
• Mirrors
• Waste containers

*Food, cleaning products, toiletries, bedding, clothing and upholstered furniture are not resold; these items are donated to local community partners.

**Carpets are discarded.

Outcomes

Cram & Scram diverts significant amounts of material from local landfills while providing Hamilton students and employees with reusable goods at a fraction of their retail value. Some collected items are also donated to local community partners.

Community Partners

Cram & Scram partners with organizations in Oneida County to reduce waste while providing useful goods and resources to local community members.

On Point for College

Since 1999, On Point for College has supported first-generation college students in Central New York. Cram & Scram donates excess supplies to help students begin college with the materials they need to succeed.

Rescue Mission of Utica

Cram & Scram partners with the Rescue Mission of Utica, a faith-based organization that provides support for housing, food insecurity, abuse, addiction, mental health and other needs.

Anita Steven’s Swan Humane Society

Cram & Scram donates bedding to the Anita Steven’s Swan Humane Society, an animal protection organization based in Utica.

Country Pantry

Cram & Scram donates excess food to Country Pantry, a nonprofit organization based in Clark Mills. Country Pantry provides perishable food and fresh produce to families and individuals in Clinton, Clark Mills and Westmoreland.

The Center

Cram & Scram provides items to The Center to support immigrants and migrants settling in Utica and help build independence and a sense of belonging.