Preparing for the clothing exchange at the Dallas OH event and have questions

OK I have so many questions about this.  It is my first event and I've been holding these clothes until now just for this occasion.  I have hundreds of pieces of clothing just filing my spare bedroom waiting for a good home.  I'm sort of dreading the idea of loading it all up and taking it to the event, though.   

Anyone know if there is going to be a laundry cart or something similar to unload all these clothes in to?  I'll have them bagged, of course, but I have tons of clothes.  This has to be easy or I'll just talk myself out of taking them.  I sort of like the easy way!

Also, what about shoes?  Since my feet shrunk without an extra 100+ pounds flattening them out, I wear a whole size smaller shoe.  I have tons of shoes that are gently worn...nothing was ever comfortable so I didn't wear them often enough to show wear. 

Is it a one-for-one thing, or if you bring clothes, you can take clothes and that is what is important so no one counts? 

And finally, are there actually going to be 10s, 12s and 14s or just a bunch of 18s - 28s.  Sadly, I'm wondering "What's in it for me?"

For all you veterans, please fill me in on what to expect?   Is this a volunteer run thing?  Are the clothes just piled on tables or do we need to have them on hangers for racks? 

I know, I know...so many questions.

Hi Sara,

Hopefully Sean N. will chime in because I believe that he is organizing the clothing exchange.  If not, please email [email protected] and she should be able to tell you what to expect.  I know that volunteers do help make it happen.

Thanks Faith.  I'll give Sean some time or go the Kim route. 

Hey Sara!  Bring it all, shoes, clothes, purses!  It's not a one for one, or anything like that.  Basically you bring whatever you have to give and take whatever you need.  You can take stuff even if you don't bring any either.  (At least that's how the ones in the past have been).

Debbi

SARA-I concur with what FAITH and DEBBI said, and I bet SEAN will jump in when he sees your post. In case he doesn't see it, let me try to help you a little, since I've been to many of these things, and they keep getting better and better (wtg, SEAN and company!!). The more organized the clothes come IN, the easier it is for the volunteers. If you can separate your clotes by size, pants, tops, etc..that will really help. Last time JODIE put sizes on the outside of her stuff, on a piece of tape-a real time saver for lookers. The stuff is then put on tables by sizes and types. There will be ALL kinds of stuff and sizes. Peeps who now wear sizes 2-4 THINK those sizes 10-12 are "fat clothes" (can you even imagine????..lol).. You will NOT go away empty handed. DO bring some WalMart sacks for "shopping". Shoes are a GREAT thing to bring, as are purses, belts, swimsuits, nightgowns etc....Anything in GOOD shape, that YOU would want, then SOMEONE ELSE will want/need it too. In the past, "left over" stuff was offered to the hotel housekeeping staff (they were SO appreciative!!), then the rest donated to local charity/mission type programs.

Hope this info helps you, in some way. Can't wait to meet you, in person, finally!!!

Gina AKA Nurse Diva

This is GREAT, I say bring it all!

You need to get ahold of Sean, he can help answer all your questions:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/bldwshd/

Lisa D. Martinez

Sara,

As Gina said, I put tags on the outside of everything with the size (I used flourescent garage sale type stickers) and anything that was more than one piece, I taped the pieces together so that no one had to search for the top that matched the bottom or vice versa.  I also had a couple of VERY nice dressy dresses and suits that I left on hangers.

I'm quite sure the hotel has bell carts that will be available to use to bring the stuff in.  I actually boxed and shipped my stuff to Galveston for RYD simply because there was sooo much of it.

Are we sure Sean is doing this clothing exchange since it's OH, not RYD?

I have started collecting wire coat hangers for any thing that needs to be hung! I do have a rolling bar if I need to bring if someone will just let me know I will be glad to bring it!
Meggie

I am bringing 6-14's. There will be things for you!! What is in it fir you? Free clothes and the kindness of paying it forward!!

Meggie

I like the pay it forward part, but I'm dreading getting all the clothes down there.  My real reward will be the event all together and meeting everyone in person for the first time.