"I brought something, and I'm taking something," she said and chuckled. "It's a good way for people to meet and to pass on something they've grown tired of that still has some life left in it."
Among those circling the tables was 90-year-old Aaron Weber. He had never been to the event before, but he came this year from Plymouth Meeting to drop off some clothing his wife no longer wears.
"At our age, we have clothes to give," Weber said. "We don't buy anything anymore."
Weber was amazed at the number of people he saw picking through the jeans and long-sleeve shirts, marveling at how such a cause "really brings people closer together."
Although she was in charge of publicizing the four-hour event, Betsy Teutsch still was amazed at the amount of clothing donated. She said it would likely far exceed demand.
"The biggest problem is surplus," Teutsch said, adding that any apparel left over would be donated to the Whosoever Gospel Mission in Germantown.
Teutsch, along with event chairwoman Genie Arvital, began planning in November by gauging community interest and potential volunteers.
Three of the nearly 50 volunteers were members of Queens United to Elevate and Empower the Next Sister (QUEENS), an organization dedicated to helping young black women who face many social challenges.
Lillian Warfield, a QUEENS volunteer from Southwest Philadelphia, helped process all of the donations that came through the doors.
"We want to bring this into our community," she said. "It's a beautiful event."
Though the clothing event was free, a suggested $20 contribution was to be passed on to Women for Women International, an organization dedicated to helping female survivors of war. Well over $2,500 was raised, organizers said.
Contact staff writer Kevin Smith at smithke@phillynews.com.
