Swap outfits on March 27

By Susan Gartner

Photo by Susan Gartner

On Saturday, March 27, from noon to 3 p.m., there will be a Clothes Swap on the second floor of the John Bryan Community Center. The event is the senior project for Yellow Springs High School senior Molly Turner. Molly is the daughter of Brother Bear (aka Patrick) and Mindy Harney and can often be found working on the weekend with her sister, Sophie, behind the counter at Brother Bear’s Café.

A clothes swap is a great way to clean out your closet and update your wardrobe without spending a dime. Swap participants bring unwanted clothing to a meeting place during a designated time. Clothes are casually sorted into piles (shoes, boots, belts, hats, purses, and coats are also welcome) and then participants “shop” for a new wardrobe.

Molly’s first experience with a clothes swap happened when her YSHS teacher, Elizabeth Lutz, invited some students over to her home one evening last year.

“We all made dinner,” Molly explained to me as she took a quick break from her barista duties. “We brought clothes and jewelry and traded it and it was awesome. We all found great stuff. That got me into the groove.”

The senior project is a focal point for YS high school seniors. Molly’s friends Nancy Epling and Conor Stratton are coordinating a skate, music, and art festival at the skate park. Other friends Marlee Layh and Lucas Donnell are working on establishing a dog park for Yellow Springs. As part of the project, each student has to answer a series of questions such as “How will this project help the community?” and “How will I benefit from this?”

Although initially attracted to the idea of bringing the community together in a fun and creative way, Molly really likes the idea that no money will be exchanged.

“I’m all about the concept of trading,” she said.

Molly was also motivated to connect the event to a good cause. After all the “shopping” is done, any leftover clothing will be donated to a women’s shelter in Springfield.

Music, snacks, and beverages will be provided. For more information, contact Molly at (937) 475-6045.