Student organization to hold winter clothing exchange
To prepare for the winter season, the University of Idaho Non-traditional Student Association (NTSA) and University Housing teamed up to host the Warm Up for Winter Community Clothing Swap. The clothing swap is open to all university students, but it is meant specifically for students who may struggle to provide warm clothes and toys for their children.
NTSA President Cary Lindsey said she wanted to get involved in hosting a clothing swap because she relates with the struggles of affording winter clothing for a family.
“Several families have moved from other parts of the country that don’t really have winter,” Lindsey said. “We moved from Mississippi and we didn’t have to buy coats and snow pants and snow boots, so having to buy all of those things for our family last year was a struggle.”
She said she couldn’t be the only UI student with this experience and wanted to help.
“We thought this would be an opportunity for families to bring in stuff that their kids have outgrown and get them geared up for the upcoming winter,” she said.
The clothing swap will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, at the Family Housing Community Center on Taylor Street.
Before then, community members are encouraged to drop off donations of adult and children’s winter clothing, gently used toys, books, shoes, hats and gloves at drop boxes located at the Women’s Center, the Dean of Students Office and the Career Center. Lindsey said the donations will be collected from the drop boxes across campus and taken to the center Friday night, where they will be sorted. There will also be drop-off donations accepted at the center 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, and the day of the event. Lindsey said volunteers are welcome both Friday and Saturday to help sort.
Although it is encouraged that people donate items as well as take what they need, it is not necessary to donate. Pumpkin cupcakes, cider and coffee will be provided by NTSA and all leftover items will be donated to the Hope Center, a local charity.
Resident Director of Campus Apartments Scott Gove said community members could benefit from the event because it would allow for more interaction among local families.
“I’m excited to use the Community Center more to talk and get to know your neighbors,” he said. “It’s about helping your fellow neighbor out.”
Gove said he hopes at least 100 people come to the swap, but isn’t sure exactly how many people to expect. He said a clothing swap had been held years before by another student organization, but this is the first year that NTSA has taken the lead.
Gove also said he hopes the service aspect of the event will get the community feeling warm and charitable for the upcoming holiday season.
“My hope is that it’s a little bit community service — having people give clothing that they may not need or want — helping out their fellow Vandal,” he said.
Kelsey Stevenson can be reached at [email protected]