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What is a swap event? 

A swap event is a place where people can get together and exchange clothes that they might have outgrown or are bored of, with something else to their liking. This is a good way for clothes to end up with other people ensuring to use them instead of ending up in the trash or donation dumpsters which all end up in landfills. This is also a creative way to get new clothes without buying into the fast fashion consumerism which many people use as their main clothing source. 

Donation suggestions

01.

Clean out your closets! Donate anything that's become boring or too small.  

02.

Make sure that the sizes match the sizes that are being asked for by the event holders! They might not count items that do not fit the requirements. 

03.

Make sure the clothes are clean and that they don't have any tears, stains, or smells.  They should be in good conditions to be given to others. 

04.

Put all clothes in a bag or bags and write your name and email inside EACH bag. 

05.

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Keep track of the clothes as you are setting them aside to donate! 

How To: Swap Event

  1. Find a Venue location and locations for donation boxes 

    1. ​Make sure the location is one which is a central location for your target audience and that would be able to accommodate a large group of peopl

      1. If you need the location to provide some materials, ensure they they would have them and be able to provide them for your swap 

    2. Make sure your donation boxes are in easily accessible and popular places. Ex. In front of a store, the library, schools, etc.  

  2. Create Promotions 

    1. ​This can include a variety of things like ads, social media posts, flyers, etc.

    2. Use friends, family, and volunteers to spread the message 

    3. Promote all the way till the day of the event

  3. Put the boxes out several weeks prior to the swap event 

    1. Make sure to put an end date to when the donations can be given by 

    2. Also, make sure to put any conditions that you might need for the clothes (cleanliness, specific sizes, etc.) 

  4. ​Collect donations and sort through them

    1. ​Make sure that every piece of clothing is clean and without rips

    2. Sort the clothes in any way you’d like (by size, gender, color, types of clothing, etc.) 
      Tip: Put these into boxes while sorting so they’re easy to carry

  5. DAY OF THE EVENT:

    1. Get to the venue early along with volunteers to set up for event 

    2. This would include putting out the clothes on the racks or tables (or however you chose to organize the items) 

    3. Ensure that the clothes remain neatly presented as people continue to “shop” for their items 

    4. Be sure to have a checkout station where you could collect their information, how many/weight of items they are taking (to measure impact), and give out any brochures or educational pieces. 

  6. After the event: 

    1. ​Find a close by and reliable donation or consignment store where these clothes could be put to good use. You could also pass these clothes down to others possibly hoping to start a similar project. 

Sustainable Fashion

Suggested places to buy clothes  : 

  • Patagonia 

  • All Birds

  • Stella McCartney

  • Veja

  • E.L.V. Denim

  • Local thrift stores 

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Places to give away clothes: 

  • Local thrift stores and consignment shops 

  • HomeFront

  • Thread Up

  • FISH

  • The Rescue Mission of Trenton

  • Goodwill 

  • Salvation Army

  • Vietnam Veterans (they sell for a profit) 

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