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The event was held at The New York Covenant Church in New Rochelle.
More than 4,500 donated clothing items and accessories were distributed to 150 teen girls in a private “boutique” setting run by more than 100 volunteers.
One day before the event, dozens of teen and adult volunteers set up the makeshift boutique at the church – folding and hanging thousands of items, arranging tables, creating a dressing room and waiting area.
When the doors of the boutique opened, more than 150 teen girls in financial need came to “shop for free” and filled their bags with everything from jeans to prom dresses, winter coats to boots and pajamas to handbags. This is the second “Girl Topia” collaboration between JLWOS and The Sharing Shelf. After last year’s event, JLWOS volunteers noticed that there was a need for more clothing selection in larger sizes. So this year, in addition to soliciting and collecting clothing donations, JLWOS volunteers raised funds to purchase new items to ensure that all sizes had adequate selection. One shopper told a volunteer that she was thrilled to find a dress for Christmas and a much needed winter coat.
The volunteers benefited as well, also leaving with a smile and sometimes even a hug from one of the teen shoppers or her mother.
“It was heartwarming and enlightening to be part of such an amazing day,” said volunteer Mary Ellen Morelli. For more information about these events contact the JLWOS office at 914-833-2119 or office@jlwos.org. To learn more about Junior League of Westchester on the Sound, visit www.jlwos.org.
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