Encourage donations in all sizes for your kid's clothing exchange operation.
They say only death and taxes are unavoidable, but parents know that statement is much too limiting. Also unavoidable is the fact that kids grow in starts and lurches, taking aim at your pocketbook when just about everything in the closet needs to be replaced. Become everyone's hero by finding a way around this dilemma: start a kids' clothing exchange. You'll not only have a never-ending supply of garments that fit, you'll also have the undying gratitude of your community.
Instructions
1. Form a committee of volunteers so no one person is stuck doing all of the organizing. Schedule a get-together to formulate clothing evaluation criteria, exchange rules, return policies, hours of operation and everyday matters that will impact the amount of time and energy needed to run your kid's clothing exchange.
2. Ask officials at churches, community agencies, libraries and other such venues for free space on a limited number of days in return for a promise to maintain a neat, organized and well-organized space. Solicit donations of hangers, clothing racks, shelving units and office supplies so you have no need to tap the committee for funds.
3. Choose a cute name for your kids' clothing exchange so it's easy to recall. Brainstorm with committee members to start the name game by tossing around words like kids, children, closet, outfits, exchange, wardrobe and other descriptive words. Take a vote if you can't decide between two great names.
4. Solicit clothing donations to stock your exchange by appealing to local schools, youth groups, churches, businesses, clubs, organizations and other potential sources by making a flyer and distributing it where appropriate. Ask as many committee members as possible to be on hand when you conduct your first clothing intake session so they get the gist of evaluate and process clothing.
5. Examine the condition of all donated clothing items. Accept only gently used items to avoid getting a reputation for stocking shabby garments. Tag blouses, jeans, dresses and coats with the date each is received. Issue exchange chits (slips of paper, numbered poker chips or other "currency") that allow parents to pick out an equal number of new items in the future.
6. Evaluate your kid's clothing exchange over it's first few weeks of operation. Make adjustments to procedures, hours of operation, staffing requirements and garment assessment rules if any of your original guidelines and policies prove problematic.
7. Decide how long your exchange will keep seasonal items on display and pack away outfits that are out of season. Follow the lead of Maine's East End Kids Clothing Swap (see link): make your exchange process child-friendly so parents don't leave the kids home only to find they must return if the items they swapped didn't fit.
Tags: clothing exchange, your clothing, your clothing exchange, your exchange, clothing exchange, committee members, hours operation
