In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and affordability, thrifting has emerged as a compelling alternative for fast fashion. Kelly Walsh recently established a thrifting event called KW Closet.

It has only been held twice so far, taking place during the first and second lunch. National Honor Society members and Student Council members, along with staff, help to keep the clothes organized while students browse. 

The event is great for social growth in the school; allowing anyone to donate and shop for clothing, as well as volunteer to assist in the set- up and maintenance of the event.

According to The Echo, “Thrift stores have done so much good for people in need, and their longevity is a testament to their positive impact on marginalized communities.” This being said, thrifting brings even the small communities closer together. 

This volunteer opportunity is bringing many students together by being able to share their great finds with each other, in addition to getting to take home great items for free.

“It reduced the stigma around if a student in need picked clothes from the closet because it was open to everyone,” Junior Madyn Waring said, “I got the opportunity to connect with a lot of students I don’t get to on the day-to-day.”

The students at the school have become more sociable and have expanded their interpersonal skills through this opprtunity. Many kids left happy knowing they contributed to the event, got new fashionable clothes they wished for, or even met someone new. 

Despite the fact that the KW Closet is a newly developed concept, it took over a year to get the function in action. All the time spent arranging for the closet to transpire was well worth it because it has been tremendously successful.

Teachers have been receiving a variety of items from hoodies, to flip -flops and even tank tops.

Mrs. Miller, a freshman English teacher at Kelly Walsh and one of the many staff that helped, said, “We had a lot of staff donate items, and soon we had more than enough.” When she posted on her social media asking for more donations after the first event, Miller said, “We were actually overwhelmed with donations.”

The Kelly Closet has been incredibly prosperous, leading other schools to be influenced by the function. CY, one of the middle schools in Casper, saw Mrs. Miller’s post and they are going to do a similar event for the students who attend CY. The event is great for social growth in all schools; allowing anyone to donate and shop for clothing, as well as, volunteer to assist in the set- up and maintenance of the event. 

Overall, the event has had a significant impact on the Kelly Walsh School community by giving youth an opportunity to receive certain clothes that they may be in need of. Not to mention, allowing kids to increase their social connections with the volunteering part and also bonding over their great discoveries.