More Than a Clothing Exchange

A look back at Options’ first Community Clothing Exchange: Creating affordability and connection for families. 

We know that raising children comes with many joys, but it can also bring financial pressures. As children grow quickly and move through clothing sizes, the cost of providing what they need each season can add up. Finding ways to make everyday essentials more affordable can make a meaningful difference for families. But the strain of a young one’s constantly changing wardrobe isn’t just financial. This is why the clothing exchange, as well as all of Options services, are always open to anyone in our community, regardless of income, immigration status, family composition, or any other factors. 

At Options, we want to come alongside parents by offering practical support, building connections, and reminding families that we’re in this together.

That’s why we hosted our first Community Clothing Exchange on July 1 2026.

Sixteen families came through our doors. Some arrived with gently used children’s clothing to share, while others came looking for items their families needed. Many did both.

Throughout the day, parents connected, children explored, and volunteers welcomed guests and helped organize clothing and other items such as baby gear and maternity clothes.

What started as a clothing exchange quickly became a meaningful community gathering.

One participant who discovered Options for the first time shared:

“I’m glad I came and will come back for other events!”

Those words meant a great deal to us.

The event also gave many families the opportunity to discover Nadine’s Closet, our year-round resource offering baby clothing, maternity wear, diapers (when available), and other baby essentials up to 2T for families who could use extra support.

To learn more about Nadine's Closet click here.

One of our longtime volunteers, who has served more than 5 years in sorting and organizing donations, came to help. 

Afterward, she shared:

“Through the years it has been a blessing for me to work with the sorting out of clothes. I really enjoyed that work.  I have seen the work grow and being more known under the leadership of Hannah and Angela.

It became so agreeable to work with Nadine ‘closet where everything is available for the clients and well presented. My back is not in good shape so I had to step down. I am very sorry, I love this ministry.

In July we had the summer exchange and it was a success as many new people came and were able to see what is going on behind the walls and leave with useful things for them.

It was a great experience.”

Children grow quickly, and every season brings new needs. At the same time, many families have clothing their children have outgrown that can become a blessing to someone else.

The Clothing Exchange brings those two realities together.

Because of the wonderful response, we’re excited to host another Community Clothing

Exchange this September, with the hope of continuing to offer seasonal exchanges throughout the year. Follow our social media accounts to know when in September our next event is!

Thank you to everyone who donated clothing, volunteered, shared the event, or joined us. Together, you are helping make parenting a little more affordable and building a community where families feel supported and welcomed.

If you need children’s clothing or baby essentials before our next exchange, Nadine’s Closet is available year-round. We’d be happy to welcome you.