The annual Hellgate clothing swap brings the high school community together through fashion. This year, the event is Valentines themed and will happen on Feb. 12, starting before school and ending after lunch. Some of the slogans include references to finding style over love, or choosing the clothing swap over Depop (an online thrifting-style app). The swap will take place in the front entrance of school, and while it is not required to bring clothes to participate, students are encouraged to bring clothes to donate.
The Valentines theme gives it a fun and lighthearted way for students to express their fashion and come together during the holiday. It is more inclusive because it is less centered on romantic relationships and more on the fun of a cheerful holiday.
Higher-level Spanish students put together the clothing swap during their time in and outside of class. Students are expected to handle all the planning and advertisement, like contacting the principal and creating signs to put up around school.
Putting together the clothing swap is a lot more than just a boring class assignment.
“I think the clothing swap has been really fun because it has helped us build a better Spanish community and I’ve gotten to know a lot of people in my class a lot better. It is really fun,” said Addie Terwilliger, a junior at Hellgate.
The clothing swap is an important event because it gives students a chance to make donations to their community, as well as an opportunity for students to have access to necessary resources. Additionally, it can be a great way to encourage sustainability when it comes to clothing because there is so much fast fashion happening in the world today. Oftentimes, unused clothing sits in the back of one’s closet, and the swap is the perfect opportunity to take time and clean out your closet for the spring. The swap helps give a second life to some articles of clothing.
“I’m excited to meet other people at the Hellgate community and build more Spanish fun,” Terwilliger said.
The clothing swap is all about bringing people together from all parts of the school that don’t usually interact. Make sure to visit the swap during a free period or lunch and explore the many options they are sure to have.
