Portsmouth Public Library & Goodwill Partner for 4th Annual Clothing Swap
Local Company Employees Provide Early Clothing Donations
For Immediate Release
May 6, 2013
Portsmouth, NH – Goodwill Industries of Northern New England and the Portsmouth Public Library continue their partnership and announce the Fourth Annual Women’s Clothing Swap. The swap will take place on Saturday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Levenson room of the Portsmouth Public Library (175 Parrott Avenue). Participants are asked to bring a bag of gently used, clean women’s clothing and accessories, and leave with a bag of “new-to-you” items. In the spirit of giving, participants are asked to give more than they get. Remaining clothing and accessories will be donated to Goodwill. Last year, more than 250 women participated in the swap, donating over 2,000 pounds of clothing.
Local Portsmouth women’s boutiques, Second Time Around and Wear House, are providing early donations again this year. In addition, employees of The Timberland Company and Bottomline Technologies are going through their own closets to help stock the event.
“True to the Portsmouth eco-municipality approach the swap has grown into a very popular event building community around sustainability. This event provides a means to re-use existing resources and through donations helps to meet the needs of others,” noted Peter L. Britz, Environmental Planner/Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Portsmouth.
The swap is a fun, social event helping women see how fashion can be an opportunity to give back to society. Women’s donations of unwanted clothing save garments and accessories from landfills, and can become an exciting addition to another’s wardrobe. How fashion fits into our history and culture will also be a focus and opportunity for pre-swap inspiration. On Thursday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. join the Library for a free screening of Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel, a documentary of the life and work of the influential fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar.
“We’re excited that this swap has become an annual community event centered around sustainable fashion and style that women can look forward to each year,” noted Jennifer Moore of the Portsmouth Public Library, co-organizer of the event.
The swap benefits Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, whose retail stores help to keep usable goods out of the landfill. The sales of all un-swapped donations help fund Goodwill programs in the Seacoast area and throughout New Hampshire.
About Portsmouth Public Library
The Portsmouth Public Library is a gateway to reading, information, culture, community activities, and self-directed learning. It serves those who want to read, to learn, or to connect with our community and our cultural heritage. The Library is located at 175 Parrott Avenue, next to the Middle School. Please call 603-427-1540 or visit our website www.cityofportsmouth.com/library for more information.
About Goodwill
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England enables individuals with diverse challenges to achieve personal stability and community engagement. A social enterprise for over 100 years, Goodwill reflects the integration of economic, social and environmental sustainability, with a focus on connecting people to marketplace employment. Our services are funded by revenue from retail and recycling operations, grants, fees, and philanthropic investments and gifts. Website: www.goodwillnne.org. Facebook & Twitter: goodwillnne
For more information please contact:
Portsmouth Public Library
Jennifer Moore
Tech Services, Program Committee
jamoore@cityofportsmouth.com
603-766-1731
Maureen Puia
Director, Communications
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England
maureen.puia@goodwillnne.org
207-699-0721