Pop-up Clothes Closet Successful

The Pop-up Clothes Closet sponsored by Thomas Nelson's Care Team on Nov. 9-10 was such a success organizers are already looking forward to the spring event.

Doreen Dougherty, of Student Services, said more than 100 people attended the event, which took place on the Hampton campus in the Wythe Hall Gallery. "We were not sure what to expect due to the ongoing pandemic and the many synchronous and asynchronous classes this fall," she said.

Popular items were winter coats, suits, sweaters, jewelry and shoes, as well as apparel with the College name or logo. "Of great interest to all was the table filled with the many wonderful official Thomas Nelson Community College clothing items and gear donated by the Hampton campus bookstore," Dougherty said. "There were even Thomas Nelson Gator onesies for babies and T-shirts for kids."

Maybe it was because those were viewed as novelty items since the College is changing its name to Virginia Peninsula Community College. Faculty, students and staff also donated countless items. "Donations were also transported to the event from the Historic Triangle campus," Dougherty said. "It was like a constant conveyer belt of items, many with brand names and tags still on."

Clothes and costumes used by the theater department also were donated. "Folks really enjoyed looking through and trying on the items and costumes that had once graced the stage at the Dr. Mary T. Christian Auditorium," Dougherty said. "Many of the theater donations maintained their tags listing the characters they were used to play or the actors who wore them."

Dougherty noted Student Life and Leadership Coordinator Kadisia Archer selected gowns, dresses and men's pants that can be used by the College's ballroom dance team. All remaining items were donated to area nonprofit groups and local thrift stores.

"We want to thank everyone who donated items and who donated their time to support this much needed event," Dougherty said. "By providing these items free of charge, the Thomas Nelson Care Team, which organizes this event twice a year, hopes to help reduce the stress and financial load that many of our students and employees face."