A free clothing swap at the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is becoming so popular that city officials have agreed to make it a regular event on the second Tuesday of each month (June 12, July 10, etc.).
The idea is to bring in your gently used clothing and swap it for someone else's. Tired of that Hawaiian shirt? Swap it for a Guayabera! Lose 10 pounds on a vegan diet? Size down till you stabilize the weight. Buy a pair of shoes that pinch your big toe? Trade 'em in for a pair of sandals.
Items for men, women and children are accepted. So are extra items. And, if you can't find something to your liking, keep a voucher and come back next time.
Leftovers -- clothing and cash -- is donated to the Community Action Stops Abuse (
CASA) nonprofit organization, which serves survivors of abuse and violence.
"This is a great, easy way for community to come out and show support for some of our neighbors in their time of need as they flee domestic violence and being a new life,'' says Stuart Berger, CASA development director. "Simply go through your closets and pick out some gently used items. Then enjoy the swap, knowing that all remaining clothing will be donated to CASA to help others.''
The weekly
Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market features more than 50 vendors, including fresh fruits and veggies, Florida beef and chicken, local herbs and crafts as well as live music, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The clothing swap is co-sponsored by the
Gulfport Merchants Association,
Historic Peninsula Inn & Spa and the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market.
Writer:
Diane Egner
Source: Daniel Hodge, Gulfport Merchants Association
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