One traditional housecleaning chore, spring cleaning, was made a little easier this year for those attending the recent Closet Exchange fundraiser at Ms. Elle’s Especially For You Boutique.
It was definitely a triple win-win-win situation.
Those giving their gently used items were allowed to “shop” for the same amount among the room full of clothes, shoes and accessories. Clothing left over was donated to the Haven House in Hammond, and ticket donation money was earmarked for Ms. Elle’s Scholarship Fund and Triumphant Transitions Inc.
In addition, toiletries contributed by customers were sent to Sojourner Truth House in Gary by Ms. Elle’s owner, Lorna Collette-Moore.
“Today is a perfect example of “paying it forward,'” said Pam Key, social worker at Sojourner Truth House, as she visited on Closet Exchange Day. “This is just like Lorna — she’s always looking out for us and others in the community.”
Longtime Ms. Elle’s customer Beverly Donovan was among the first to arrive when Closet Exchange began. She had attended the past two similar events and said she wouldn’t miss this one for anything.
She had donated five items, and began looking through the colorful displays of clothing and accessories as soon as she walked in.
“Today, I found things right away, usually it takes me more time,” Donovan said, as she proudly displayed a newly acquired lavender designer purse, which matched a lavender blouse just her size. “This exchange is great fun.”
Colette-Moore offers the Closet Exchange every two years, not annually.
“This gives the ladies more time to gather items and clear out their closets,” Colette-Moore said. “We always receive a large variety of items for the exchange … some are new, with tags still on them.”
Deanna Johnson of Gary is new to the boutique, but instantly fell in love with the shop and said she loved the idea of the Closet Exchange.
“Sometimes, you forget about things you have in your closet,” the Gary resident added, as she browsed through a rack of colorful dresses. “And when you do find them, you may not like the color or style anymore. What a wonderful way to donate them (with this event.)”
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In addition to the Closet Exchange, Ms. Elle’s offers many other special occasions for customers, as well as in the community-at-large. She definitely believes in “giving back”.
Since the one-of-a-kind boutique’s inception in 2008, projects have included an annual Open House (which involves members of various communities), Holiday Food Box Give-Aways, an American Heart Association Awareness Tea and a Scholarship Award program.
The latter is geared toward Northwest Indiana high school seniors exemplifying academic excellence and leadership qualities in school, community or church.
Students in need of financial assistance and students planning to remain in Indiana to further their education are get an advantage in the selection process.
For more information about upcoming events at Ms. Elle’s Especially For You boutique, call (219) 924-4204.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter.