Fashion enthusiasts looking to refresh their wardrobes got the opportunity to do just that during a two-day clothing giveaway event that took place at Highland High School on February 23 and 24. During the event, community members were invited to browse a wide selection of gently used garments in sizes ranging from infant to adult, which were all available to take home free of charge.

This unique thrifting experience was the brainchild of HHS students Rylie Klein and Rachel Branda, who organized the giveaway as their civic readiness capstone project for Christina Saylor’s Citizenship in Action class. The idea was grounded in their belief that the textile industry should adopt a circular approach, emphasizing the importance of extending the lifespan of clothing items through various initiatives rather than discarding them when they no longer suit one’s needs or style.

“Consuming second-hand clothing is an excellent way to save some money while supporting ecological sustainability and preventing valuable materials from going into a landfill,” said Rylie.

“A free clothing event such as ours benefits both wallets and the environment,” added Rachel, explaining that the goal of the project was to raise awareness that acquiring a second-hand piece of clothing (as opposed to buying a new item) conserves resources and reduces waste. The giveaway event served as an important reminder that with each reuse, we shift away from a wasteful “fast fashion” mentality and support the reduction of greenhouse gasses as well as the use of toxins, pesticides, herbicides, dyes, and other harsh chemicals used in textile production.

“In embracing the ethos of reuse and sustainability, Rylie, Rachel, and their peer volunteers demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to fashion that prioritizes environmental responsibility—a commendable endeavor indeed,” said Saylor. “I am very proud of their efforts.”