Students and Athens residents with empty pockets who are in need of a new wardrobe can head to ARTS/West this weekend.
The Cat's Pajamas Clothing Exchange is having a three-day event in which students and Athens residents can donate clothes and take some home in return.
We have the clothing exchange at the end of the year because so many people are cleaning out and moving at that time; it is just the most sensible time of the year to do it
said Emily Beveridge, the coordinator for the event and an Ohio University alumna. People are finding unwanted clothes as they clean out their closets.
Early donors who drop off clothing or accessories before 9 p.m. Friday will be able to attend all three days for free, Beveridge said. Regular donors can leave with as many clothes as they came with or purchase clothes for $1 apiece.
Clothing exchange participants can buy a $5 ticket for the entire weekend. The best clothes will be displayed between 10 p.m. and 12 a.m. Friday, but people attending throughout the weekend will bring in new clothing for volunteers to sort through and lay out.
It's like getting to go to a thrift store every day - and everything is awesome said Emily Prince, the program specialist for ARTS/West. Donated clothing includes items of all sizes for men, women and children.
Beveridge is still in need of volunteers and said anyone in need of last-minute volunteer hours is welcome to stop by between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. Friday, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
This might be the most fun volunteer opportunity in town all year she said.
Becca Faria, a senior dance major, signed up to fulfill volunteer hours for her scholarship. She was able to take home a few items during the sorting process, she said.
This will be the first year the clothing exchange will benefit ARTS/West, a community arts center located at 132 W. State St. Beveridge last coordinated the exchange in 2008, but donations went to AmeriCorps and Rural Action, a non-profit organization aimed at revitalizing Appalachia.
I would love to see them raise between $3
000 and $4
000 this weekend
Beveridge said.
The exchange will begin with a pajama party event featuring DJ Barticus and pizza. Exchange hours will be from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at ARTS/West.
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Culture
Lauren Mikolay
