Clothing Swap

Event Summary

Spice up your wardrobe while being kind to our planet. Clothing swaps reduce the demand for new clothing production, minimizing our carbon footprint. 

When: Saturday, April 5 from 1:00-4:00 PM

Drop off clothing donations for the event ahead of time between March 28 - April 5

Where: Hurstville Interpretive Center ‍

What: Fast Fashion is the concept of producing clothing quickly to keep up with the latest trends, thus encouraging consumers to buy new clothing all the time. But this puts a huge strain on our planet’s resources, contributes to pollution of our environment, and overwhelms landfills all over the world. Rather than buying fast fashion or investing in new clothing, swapping clothes extends the lifespan of garments, reduces textile waste, and decreases the environmental impact of clothing production. By embracing second-hand fashion through swaps, individuals actively participate in a more sustainable lifestyle. Clothing Swaps are an economical way to update your wardrobe without buying new. 

Details for Our Clothing Swap:

• Let’s divert clothing from the landfill! We will weigh clothes at our Clothing Swap to understand just how much we have diverted through this effort. 
• Donate clothes ahead of the event that you no longer want (but are still in good shape) and take home new-to-you items from the swap. 
• There is no registration required for this event and it is completely free! 

How exactly does it work?

Clothing donations will be accepted prior to the swap so volunteers can pre-sort all items. You may donate clothes in good condition even if you are not planning to attend to ensure we have a wide selection. Volunteers will sort the clothes and swappers will be able to browse and select clothes just like at a store. However, unlike a store, you won’t pay for things you take home! Instead, we will weigh your clothes to know how many pounds we are diverting from the landfill. 

What items can I donate?

Only donate items in a condition that you would be willing and excited to take home! Clothes that are no longer wearable (stains, smells, or just worn out) should be donated directly to Goodwill, which accepts clothing in any condition and recycles clothes that are no longer usable. We are eager for your donations! However, please keep your donations to your best items to help make this event a success.  

We accept wearable items in good condition, including: Dresses | Shorts | Skirts | Shirts | Pants | Jeans | Shoes | Jewelry | Snow Gear | Jackets + Coats | Scarves + Hats + Gloves | Kid’s clothes | Women’s clothes | Men’s clothes - We will not accept used socks, undergarments, nor swimwear.- We do not accept home goods. 

When and where can I drop off clothes to donate to the swap?

Clothing donations can be dropped off March 28 – April 5 at the Hurstville Interpretive Center. If dropping off during business hours (weekdays 9:00-4:00), place items in the downstairs hallway; if dropping off after hours, place items in the donation tubs on the east side of the building. 

Will there be limits on what I can take?

We will not be limiting how much or what items anyone can take. We want donated clothes to find their ways into as many homes as possible. We do ask that you keep in mind other swappers and we request no resellers. You can take items for yourself and for your family. 

What happens to the leftover clothing?

We are partnering with various social service agencies to donate clothes that are not selected at the swap, including Maquoketa Community Services. 

What if I have clothes in bad shape that are no longer wearable?

We encourage folks to do their best to extend the life of clothing through proper care and mending. We also know sometimes you have textiles that are no longer wearable and probably won’t be taken from the swap. We request you take these items directly to Goodwill. Goodwill is able to accept clothing that is no longer wearable for textile recycling. Be sure to separate textile recycling donations from other donations and label the bag/container “for textile recycling”. 

Category

Special Events