Noble Trade

On June 18th, when outrage over Trump’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy hit a fever pitch, I found myself—as in many times over the past several years–feeling desperate to do something, but stuck as to where to channel this energy.

In a sociopolitical climate with no shortage of need, Noble Trade is intended to be an annual clothing and book swap for a cause. It’s a chance to clean out your closet and score some gently used finds, while benefiting a different, worthy organization each year. (There may even be some music, beer and food involved.)

This first effort will be on Monday, July 30th at Logan Square’s Red Cloud Studio. Proceeds will support the Chicago-based Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, which advocates for immigrant children in our current border crisis and beyond.

Although the situation has evolved daily, this quick primer outlines the situation ahead. As many across party lines have noted, this goes way beyond politics. It’s about our humanity. The ongoing reunification effort will take time, but we can collectively do a small part to help those at the front line.

Hope you can join! Scroll down to learn more about the mechanics of the swap, and please RSVP by 7/26. (If you can’t attend but have clothes to donate, click the RSVP button.)

Event date is past

 

When: Monday, July 30th. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Red Cloud Studio, 2506 N. California Ave (special thanks to Molly Lehr for generously offering her space!)

Who: All are welcome! Please forward this link to friends!

Admission: Read on below! All proceeds will benefit the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights.

How: This is a bit different from your typical swap. You won’t show up at the event with a bag of clothes to donate. In fact, donations aren’t even required!

If you have clothing (including baby/kids clothes) or books to donate, note this in the RSVP form. All you have to do is put them in a bag. I’ll handle the rest–whether you have a few books or two garbage bags of clothes. I’ll do the vetting (read below on what’s accepted), organization and “curation” of this makeshift pop-up store. You just show up!

Everyone who attends the swap, regardless of whether they donate, will be charged a modest admission fee that will entitle them to a number of items to take home.

What’s accepted?
Tags still on that dress you’re never going to wear? Kids way past the onesie stage? Need to make room on your bookshelf for some new titles? I’m accepting:

-Clean, new or gently used/good condition adult clothing
-Clean, new or gently used baby and children’s clothes
-Books of all genres, for all ages, etc. — as long as they are in reasonably OK condition

*I’ll inspect for stains, damage, etc. — but your initial pass is much appreciated.

*If there is anything to highlight about your donation (e.g. designer items, tags still on, etc.), please add that to the notes field!

What else? This is my first (charity event) rodeo, and so I’m just aiming for a small community event that raises funds for an organization doing good work. That said, I’m hoping to arrange food, food, drinks and other “programming.”

Factoring in these items, how many will attend (this is why the RSVP is important) and how many donated items I collect, I’ll determine an admission cost and how many items each person can take — but rest assured it will be reasonable. 100% of the profits will go to the Young Center. Any remaining clothes will go to The Brown Elephant, and leftover books will go to Open Books.

RSVP here!

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