Thrifty Thursdays at Samson’s Closet

VU Living Well holds Samson’s Swap, a free clothing shop, every Thursday outside of Smith Hall.

Living Well has served students of Vanguard University for years, offering resources from a food pantry to Samson’s career closet. This year, they introduced a new asset, Samson’s Swap.

“The idea is having another place for students to get free clothes. Thrifting is a great environmentally friendly practice,” Jess Van Winkle, coordinator of Samson’s Swap, states.

Students picking out clothing from Samson’s Swap. PC: Katelynn Allam

From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays, affectionately dubbed “Thrifty Thursdays”, students can visit Living Well’s table outside of Smith Hall. There, students can bring one bag and fill it with their choice of donated clothing. All that Living Well needs in return is a student ID number.

Though Living Well does not actively seek donations for Samson’s Swap or require students to bring items in return, students can continue to donate to Samson’s Career Closet. Donations drop-offs are accepted in Smith 110 or a drop-off time can be coordinated by emailing careercloset@vanguard.edu. Items that do not fall under professional wear will go toward’s Samson’s Swap.

“We started collecting those extra clothes that we had in order to have enough of a stock to do these thrift days.” Van Winkle states.

As of now, Thrifty Thursdays is continuing while supplies last. Van Winkle states that Living Well is also considering to hold another thrifting event on Tuesdays if student demand allows.

“It truly is a ‘come, shop, and get clothes for free’ experience,” Van Winkle states. “We’re open at the same time as Living Well, so students can plan their trips accordingly.”

Thanks to Living Well and their resources, students are now able to get the daily wear that they need.

Learn more about Living Well and Samson’s Swap on Instagram @vu_livingwell and here at the Living Well Resources Center.