TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Halloween-themed and LGBTQ+ friendly clothing swap has been scheduled for Oct. 8 in Toms River.
The clothing swap is organized by Cassie Provinzano, 21, with the goal of giving people the opportunity to try new clothing in a safe environment and at no cost.
Provinzano organized a clothing swap in June during Pride Month, and the response to it prompted her to create an organization, Community Closet, to continue its efforts and impact.
"After the overwhelmingly positive engagement with our first event, I saw a need for this type of community resource," Provinzano said.
Community Closet’s events offer community members and allies a chance to give their once-cherished garments a new life while trying out and trying on new styles.
"We especially encourage those interested in finding more gender-affirming clothing to come check out this event," she said.
The no-cost pop-up boutique event is held by the beach in the Silverton section of Toms River and is queer organized and open to everyone, Provinzano said.
With Halloween just around the corner, the Oct. 8 swap will include Halloween costumes as well as everyday clothing.
"For this Halloween-themed swap, we also encourage participants to bring Halloween costumes of years past so that someone else can bring it back to life this Halloween," she said.
Provinzano, a Kean University education major, conceived the idea because she has "always been interested in fashion and events that bring people together without involving money."
Along with being a great way to give clothes a second life, the free event helps make fashion more sustainable for anyone. Clothing donations are not required but that old piece in your closet might be exactly what someone is looking for. Please bring a bag for any clothing you wish to take home.
The swap is set for 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 8 at 34 Sea Breeze Road, the Silver Bay Harbor Association, in the Silverton section of Toms River. For more information, Community Closet has an official Instagram page, @community_closet_nj.
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