Figuring that even those who hadn’t lost so much weight might be looking for gently used quality clothing on a budget, they decided to help organize the Clothing Swap Party of Springfield, Ohio.
The free bring-what-you-have and take-home-what-you-want event has caught on.
“It happens once a month,” said Shannon Fischer, who will host a party at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14. “You go through your closet and your drawers each month and you yank out what you’re not using. It’s like a free-for-all.”
Jackson cautioned that “it has to be nice stuff.”
Her mother said getting involved is easy.
“If something’s been in your closet for more than two or three years and you haven’t worn it yet, it helps you let go,” she said.
Brand names from Anne Klein to Victoria’s Secret are common. Men’s, babies and children’s clothes also are part of the exchange.
“You don’t bring your grass-cutting clothes,” Fischer said.
People tend to take home about the same amount they bring. The group has donated leftover clothing to women’s or family shelters and to a Weight Watchers group at the Springfield Family YMCA.
“They were so thankful,” said Comer. “When you’re looking for a job while you’re losing weight, you don’t want to buy a new wardrobe.”
There’s more than clothing.
“I’ve got a whole bunch of jewelry” from the swaps, Fischer said. “And it seems like after each of our parties, our page (on Facebook) grows.”
Comer said that because of her weight loss, “I have no summer clothes (that fit) from last year,” and she’s looking forward to Sunday’s swap.
She also says it’s easy for people to start parties of four to six or 15 to 20 by rounding up friends from college or church.
“We’d like to see a lot more of these,” Comer said.
For information, go to the Clothing Swap Party of Springfield, Ohio, page on Facebook, e-mail Comer at alyce.comer@gmail.com or call her at (937) 605-4071.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0368 or tstafford@coxohio.com.
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