Swap 'Til You Drop

Imagine a world where cleaning out your closet meant putting a hot meal in the hands of a homeless person. Elizabeth Hazard’s Swap & Shop For Charity proves it’s not only possible, but also a whole lot of fun. Based on the philosophy of recycling and reusing, Swap & Shop For Charity offers opportunities for individuals to swap clothes with friends to benefit their favorite charity. An individual contacts Hazard, and she then sends out invitations asking guests to donate old clothes before the event. Using her eye for design and those donated clothes, Hazard transforms the host’s chosen venue into something resembling an actual retail store.

“Guests are given a piece of paper with categories,” says Hazard. “Those categories determine how much an individual believes a piece of clothing is worth. People determine their own price, and all proceeds go to the host’s charity of choice.” Hazard takes with her all excess clothing not sold during the swap, using them for the next swap. “Everyone agrees the swaps are a blast,” says Hazard. “People get so excited. Honestly, what’s better than saving money while supporting charities?”