FAQ's

What is the Penn State/United Way’s Trash to Treasure Sale?

• Trash to Treasure is a sale of gently used and new items donated by PSU students living in University Park’s residence halls.

When is the sale?

• The sale is held on a Saturday near Memorial Day.

Is there a fee to attend?

• There is a $5.00 entrance fee from 7:30 a.m. and 9:00. After 9:00 there is no entrance fee.

Are there any delays to get in at 7:30?

• PSU and United Way staff begin collecting the entry fees around 6:00 a.m., so the line flows very quickly when the gate opens.

What is typically for sale at Trash to Treasure?

• Lamps, fans, futons, electronics, office chairs, carpet, household items, books, vacuums, etc. and lots and lots of clothing (especially large selection for teens).

About how much stuff is there?

• We typically have over 50 tons of product for sale.

What are the prices, and will prices decrease during the day?

• Everything is priced reasonably. Pricing remains constant throughout the day, there are no further mark-downs. All proceeds go to support the United way of Centre County.

Why are the check-out lines long?

• There is always a rush of shoppers within the first 2 hours. All of our staff are volunteers and we can only open as many lines as we have volunteers. If you would like to help with this worthwhile event please sign up to volunteer. We’d love to have your help!

Why is it in a different location within Beaver Stadium than last year?

• The sale can move within Beaver Stadium depending on summer maintenance and construction that may be going on in different parts of the Stadium. We are very grateful that we are able to use this incredible location for the sale.

Is there a bag sale?

• 2013 marks our first “Tote It Away” sale. Grocery store sized totes will offered for free (while supplies last). Fill the bag will clothing, shoes, and other smaller items for a flat fee. Larger items like fans, vacuums, and furniture will remain individually priced.

Do you have bags I can use?

• No - We do not provide bags to use while shopping. Many customers bring their own reusable canvas bags to hold their treasures while shopping. We do supply plastic bags at check-out to carry your purchases to your vehicle.

Is it possible to barter, haggle?

• No - Everything is priced reasonably. Pricing remains constant throughout the day, there are no further mark-downs. All proceeds go to support the United way of Centre County.

As a volunteer do I get to shop early and/or can I buy during my shift?

• Volunteers are able to get a look at the products before sale day by working in the venue. We also offer our volunteers coupons for money off of their sale day purchases. We can not allow volunteers to purchase items prior to sale day.

Is anything “good” left after the early bird shoppers?

• Shopping after 10:00 is a great time to come in. The crowds are much thinner and there are still literally tons and tons of items to purchase! This is an especially good time for clothing shoppers.

How can I help?

• We need hundreds of volunteers to cover pre-sale sorting and arranging as well as volunteers for sale-day. Please see the volunteer portion of our website.