Clothing For a Cause

In a shaded spot adjacent to the Outpost in downtown Gulfport, Sandy Duffy carefully hangs an armload of colorful castoffs. Shading her eyes, she looks up and smiles.

“It’s a nice day for our clothing swap,” Duffy said.

Julia Durocher folded blue jeans and counted off vouchers while Duffy focused on customers. Donations at the swap benefit the Community Action Stops Abuse  (CASA) in St. Petersburg, a non-profit organization offering shelter and counseling services to survivors of abuse and domestic violence.

A fixture at the Fresh Market, the clothing  swap is held on the second Tuesday of each month, from 9 a.m. until noon. Organizers say participation and enthusiasm for the swap has been growing each month.

“It’s for a great cause, and we have a wonderful time," Duffy said.

Customers bring up to five items of nearly new clothes on hangers. In return, they get vouchers and then start rummaging. Vouchers can also be purchased for $3.00 a piece. Items above the five piece limit are sorted and bagged for donation to CASA.

This week, colorful shirts, embroidered jeans, cashmere sweaters,  shoes and handbags were among items available for both men and women. They moved at a brisk pace, while cash donations were at an all-time high, said Duffy. That's especially good news in an uncertain economy.

Helen Sterin, who lives in both Gulfport and Buenos Aires, chose items that will bring tangible hope to disadvantaged women and children in Argentina. Steps away, a group of shoppers exchanged laughter and lively conversation about a certain white sweater.  There was good natured joshing, but the talk turned to  more serious thoughts about the swap, initially begun by Ester Venouziou.

“This is an important cause,” Mary Warner said. “I love that this benefits women who may have left home with only the clothes on their back.”

Accompanied by her sister, Warner unearthed nice jeans, shirts and a sweater to augment her wardrobe. The monthly swap is sponsored by LocalShops1,  the Gulfport Merchant’s Association, Gulfport! Magazine and the Tuesday Fresh Market.  Leslie Gilchrist, co-owner of The Outpost and president of the Merchant’s Association, was enthusiastic about the turnout.

“It definitely brings people to town,” Gilchrist said. “I love it because it recycles clothing while we make a contribution to a good cause.”