Columbia University Donates Used Bikes, Yoga Mats and Bean Bag Chairs to Community Center in Harlem

Columbia University recently donated bikes, yoga mats and bean bag chairs to Teaching a Generation – Youth Program (T.A.G), part of The Community Initiatives in Harlem, a nonprofit providing outreach support and services to individuals in the local community. 

Through Columbia University’s ReUse Program – a collaboration between the Construction Business Initiatives, Environmental Stewardship, and other university partners – Columbia donated bicycles as well as yoga mats and bean bag chairs that had been used for finals week stress release events over the years whose storage space is no longer available.   

“Thank you to Columbia University for helping us foster a more positive and intimate environment with the bean bag chairs which we use in our offices to have one-on-ones with the youth,” said Al Cohen, Executive Director of The Community Initiatives. “The bikes have also been a big hit, helping individuals who are looking for jobs that require bikes and those who needed a means of transportation.” 

The Columbia ReUse Program minimizes waste by diverting reusable items to local non-profit organizations, facilitating the exchange or donation of University-owned furniture and other items.