Whitney Pittsenbarger offers help to the community with a community-clothing swap that she started about three years ago. The program is designed for all ages and demographics to come pick out clothes. No donation is required to pick up clothing.
Pittsenbarger moved to Cheney about 10 years ago, previously living in Portland, Ore. She currently has nine kids and has felt the challenge herself with the financial responsibilities that come with having children. She was part of a similar organization in Portland, and she wanted to carry it over to Cheney as well.
“I figured I was not the only one struggling,” Pittsenbarger said. “So I thought it would be good to help the community out with the opportunity.”
The clothing swap takes place every three months at the Cheney Public Library. It is always on a Saturday from 6 – 7 p.m. The next one will most likely take place on May 20, as Pittsenbarger is still coordinating with the library on an exact weekend.
Before having the permanent spot at the library, the events would be held at parks around town, the rodeo, and even from inside Pittsenbarger’s home. But the library has opened its doors and been very helpful to the organization.
Most recently, Pittsenbarger is planning a formal dress swap with the prom dress season quickly approaching. She reached out to the community and asked for donations of formal dresses and other attire for the event. The swap will take place on April 8 at the library from 6 – 7 p.m., the same time as her usual swaps.
“I have six daughters myself, so I know how expensive prom dresses can be,” Pittsenbarger said. “The crazy part is that the dress is only worn for one night.”
The same guidelines apply to this swap, as people do not need to donate or pay to take a dress.
A way that Pittsenbarger spreads the word about her organization is through Facebook. She has a page called “Cheney Clothing Swaps” where she posts future events and other information. She will post about what clothing will be at certain swaps or advertise what she has in stock for certain people. She has a lot of maternity and baby clothes that young moms usually come and scoop up, grateful for the needed help.
If anybody has interest in donating or picking out clothing, the best way to contact her is via the Facebook page or contacting her at (509) 859-6565. No donation goes to waste as at the end of every event, the clothes not taken are donated to the Cheney Clothing Bank. About 10–15 garbage bags are donated there from the event.
“I am just wanting to get the word out,” Pittsenbarger said. “Anybody is welcome. Whether you are from Cheney, Medical Lake or even Spokane, you are welcome to come pick out clothes or donate.”
Grace Pohl can be reached at [email protected].
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