The Eden Prairie Sustainability Commission and the Eden Prairie High School National Honor Society are hosting a community clothing swap from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, in the Eden Prairie High School Performing Arts Center lobby.
During the event, people may drop off gently used clothing and shoes. Volunteers will sort donations onto appropriate tables. People can then take the items that interest them.
No registration or fees are required to participate as a donor or shopper.
“Anyone can come,” said Carolyn Wieland, a member of the Sustainability Commission. “People don’t have to bring items to participate. If someone has clothing they’d like to bring, they can stop in any time during the event. This allows a continual supply of new merchandise during the event.”
Last year, when the commission held its first clothing swap, it collected 795.5 pounds of donated clothing and shoes. Of that, 459 pounds were taken home by event attendees, and the rest was donated to The PROP Shop.
Of the 111 people who attended last year’s event, six dropped off items but did not shop, 32 shopped but did not bring items, and 73 both brought items and shopped.
“This event is not just for our Eden Prairie residents but for everyone,” said Cindy Hoffman, another member of the Sustainability Commission. “It is exciting to see familiar faces from our community participating but to also find people joining the swap from other cities.”
“Community clothing swaps foster community engagement, reduce items being sent to landfill, extend the life of usable garments and clothing and increase awareness in clothing consumption,” Wieland said.
“If someone has never been to a swap, I encourage you to just stop by and see what is going on,” Hoffman said. “You will find some great items for free and also feel good about supporting sustainable fashion.”
Questions can be directed to Wieland or Jennifer Fierce, Eden Prairie sustainability coordinator.
Editor’s note: This story is the second in an ongoing series called “Sustainability in Action.” The series spotlights sustainability efforts in Eden Prairie at various levels, from local government and businesses to community groups and residents. This series has received support from a grant from the Eden Prairie Community Foundation.
If you have an idea for this series, contact the editors.
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