Swap-A-Palooza: Penguin City, The Neighborhood host first free clothing exchange

In the U.S., over 11 million tons of clothing are thrown away every year, according to Earth.org.

The Neighborhood is a Youngstown-based company that plans events for local community members, like The Block Party.

The Neighborhood wants to bring the Mahoning Valley community together to celebrate better ways to get rid of clothes through donations and exchanges.

They’re joining forces with Penguin City Brewing Company to host the Mahoning Valley’s first free clothing exchange: Swap-A-Palooza.

Swap-A-Palooza is happening from 3 - 9 p.m. April 6 inside the Pollock Room at Penguin City on Federal Street in Youngstown.

Inside, you’ll find an all-inclusive exchange, as well as vintage vendors and experts in sewing and sustainability at tables.

It’s free and open to all ages. For the clothing swap, there are three sections: clothes, shoes and books.

To participate in the clothing exchange, The Neighborhood asks people to bring in items to swap before the official start at 3 p.m.

Swap-A-Palooza’s drop off is scheduled from noon until 2:30 p.m. on April 6 in the Penguin City taproom.

Anyone who’s not able to drop off their swap items before the event can get in touch with Alison Green at alison@theneighborhoodevents.com.

All items are on a first come, first get basis.

Clothes that are left over from the swap will be given to the Warren Family Mission.

The Neigborhood’s also bringing skilled experts in for the educational part of the event. They’ll be teaching free lessons on sewing, embroidery and dying your own clothes.

Vendors are also selling upcylced and vintage clothes; the prices will range for each seller.