Marlie Hernandez, a sophomore at Laramie Senior High School, held a community clothing swap to raise money for the Family Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), to attend nationals.
The clothing swap, held at the Laramie Moose Lodge, promoted recycled clothing. Members of the community could go in and swap old or new clothing they no longer wanted and switch with others.
“Our mission is to promote personal growth and leadership and individuals through family consumer sciences classes,” said Hernandez, the FCCLA president. “My project is based on fast fashion, and how we can stop it in our community and promote sustainable clothing. I want to teach others about giving life to old clothing so it doesn’t end up in landfills.”
At the event, over six tables were filled with clothing that was either donated by students or members of the community to get the swap started. There were tables featuring children’s, men’s and women’s clothing, along with a mystery grab bag table filled with thrifted items.
FCCLA has hosted multiple community projects and events in the last few years including easter egg hunts, bingo nights and service days.
“We host a lot of community projects. We host taco bingo nights to raise funds to go to state and we do a lot of community events for most holidays including Mother’s Day. We just tried to get more people involved,” said Hernandez.
Morgan Martin, who advises FCCLA, helps set up these events to raise money for the nationals in Seattle, especially after many members did well at the state competition in Cheyenne, with Hernandez winning first place for her project on stopping fast fashion.
“I help make sure these students get through these events and processes, so they get to be a part of the organization at a state level. So, anything they need, making sure this stuff goes off, making sure that fundraising happens,” said Martin. “Marlie does such a great job at making these events come to life.
“It’s free to the public and community, not only to help us get to nationals, but really to promote sustainability. Recycling clothing is awesome and I plan to hold a fashion show soon that entirely uses thrifted clothing.”
Jacki L., a Laramie local said, “It’s amazing to see young people trying to make a change, I’m excited to see more events like these take place in our community.”
