East Midvale holds clothing swap for students, families

When East Midvale Elementary Principal Sally Sansom looked around her home last year, she realized there were bags of clothes her three children had outgrown. She also has been thankful for the hand-me-downs her kids received from others. From that, the idea for a clothing exchange was put into motion.

“This is our second year we’ve held the clothing exchange,” Sansom said. “We had such a tremendous, positive response last year of families being able to donate as well as receive clothing, we decided to hold it again. We’re a Title I school so there are various needs our community requires.”

During the weeks preceding the exchange, Sept. 30, families could donate clothing and shoes for children as well as adults. Sansom would then hold up clothing during the school’s news broadcasts, getting students excited about the event. Some Halloween costumes were also donated for the children.

This year, a Sandy neighborhood, as well as the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, pitched in with the clothing drive. Last year, a youth group helped donate items and then assisted the school in passing on leftover donations to the local Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

On Sept. 30, the items were sorted and set up in the school’s multi-purpose room. A PTA-sponsored carnival was held at the same time outside.

“The kids have fun at the carnival, but still come away with something -- a bag full of clothes. We have more than 100 families who benefit, and kids come up and say, ‘look, look at my new outfit,’” Sansom said. “The students are learning to be resourceful and responsible. If they don’t like something or aren’t wearing it anymore, then they know to give it to someone else who will appreciate it and could need it. We’re learning how to help each other.”

Sansom’s own family picks out items and she found her current favorite pink shirt at the exchange.

Alejandro Paredes, Claudia Luna, Cristian Luna and Brad Luna, were able to find a bag of items to take home this year.

“It’s so neat to see people so excited that they can get clothes for free. One family had taken a bag, then came back with a bag to donate. It’s free and so easy; all it takes is someone to supervise, people to help, and you get rewarded with seeing the happiness it brings,” Sansom said.

About 10 volunteers helped with the September exchange. Sansom is hoping to hold another clothing exchange in the winter or spring.

“It’s just a great way for our community to show we care for one another, help each other and grow together,” Sansom said.