Auburn University partners with community for second annual furniture drive for international students

Furniture donations are currently being accepted until early August for the second annual furniture giveaway and welcome event for new international graduate students in the Auburn community.

The Fall Furniture Giveaway is organized by Friends of Internationals (FOI), a volunteer-run community organization, with the goal of extending a warm welcome as well as meeting practical needs. The inaugural event allowed more than 75 new international graduate students to receive help with basic household needs.

Furniture and household items needed include:
• Study desks
• Mattresses and bed frames
• Couches, loveseats or chairs
• Coffee tables, end tables and dining tables
• Bookcases, dressers and lamps

InterConnect, an initiative of the Auburn University Graduate School, helps to foster successful transition to the U.S. and Auburn for international students. In addition, InterConnect seeks to create a welcoming environment and facilitate cross-cultural exchange between our international students and the local community. To meet these goals, InterConnect fosters partnerships with the local community and with local organizations such as FOI.

To schedule a pickup or to learn more about ways to be involved in this event, please contact Laura Fuller, InterConnect Program Coordinator at interconn@auburn.edu. Furniture pickups can also be scheduled online or by contacting FOI at 334-521-2469 or auburnopelikafoi@gmail.com.