Students shared soothing, warm beverages as they exchanged items Wednesday morning, Jan. 24. This Sip and Swap was hosted by Associated Students (AS), who provided coffee and hot chocolate as the rain came and went.
Students had the choice to swap their items – in many cases, clothes – with each other, or donate them to the Basic Needs Hub. “Personally, I wanted to see a lot of student donations, and we did! We collected a lot of clothing to donate to the Basic Needs thrift corner, which I’m beyond thrilled about,” said Gaby Weedon, AS vice president of external affairs.
Bartering encouraged students to engage with each other and bond over similarities in taste. “From the style of clothing a student has to the taste of fashion, this builds a lot of potential friendships!” said AS Senator of Basic Needs Carl Esguerra.
Jourdan Garnier, a third-year student, attended the Sip and Swap, eager to make a donation. “[I have] a bunch of clothes that I’ve been meaning to offload, and I wanted to support a campus event.” Garnier appreciates “how willing Otters are to help each other even if there’s no immediate gain, it’s just the best part of campus culture.”
“Our goal for Sip and Swap was to put on a fun event for students where they could find some cool new additions to their wardrobe and feel more engaged with others in the community,” said Weedon. Organizers hoped to spread awareness to the student body about the Basic Needs thrift corner.
Any remaining items donated at the Sip and Swap will be available at the Basic Needs Hub in Building 12.