In the wake of today’s vintage fashion craze, thrift shopping has become increasingly popular among college students and young adults across America. At Hamilton College, a select group of savvy students tapped into their sustainable side and hosted an on-campus fundraising event that appealed to the fashion preferences of the masses.
On Oct. 29, the Hamilton College Thrift Store Club held its second-ever pop-up sale in Sadove Student Center. Sixteen campus-affiliated donors, and several off-campus donors from the club members’ hometowns, provided the store with a variety of men and women’s apparel; from every-day wear to wacky and unique statement pieces (and just in time for Halloween) All articles of clothing were incredibly affordable, with prices ranging from one to five dollars, no matter how high the quality. All proceeds and all left over clothing were donated to the Thea Bowman House in Utica, New York, which serves low-income, at risk families in the area.
The original Hamilton College Thrift Store was the brainchild of Mary Langworthy ’17, Margaret Smith ’17, Audrey Love ’17, Sara Purinton ’17 and Dan Horgan ’18. Last semester they hosted a similar event that was met with campus-wide support and enthusiasm. After their initial success, those involved with the original store, as well as several new members, formed an official Thrift Store Club, now recognized by the Hamilton College Student Assembly with 10 active members, who will collect and sell clothes once every semester for various charitable causes. “The Hamilton community has always been passionate about creative sustainability, and we felt like an on-campus thrift store would be a great way to get students involved in a fun recycling program that benefits both the campus and the local community” says Langworthy.
Throughout the day, students trickled in and out, browsed through the racks at their leisure, and got to donate to a good cause. Like last year’s event, the pop-up store proved equally popular among students this semester. “I think it’s a great idea and I hope this happens more often this year. I found some great stuff!” says Houghton Yonge ’18, who stopped by the thrift shop after his on-campus radio show.
Thanks to the efforts of the Thrift Store Club, Hamilton College is now one step closer to achieving an extremely low-waste, sustainable model for on campus life. Luckily for the students here, this model is fun and benefits a good cause.
