Racks of clothing, a constant flow of students, and booming music set the scene for the PA Wings Initiative’s thrift pop-up, a student-led fundraiser that aims to give worn apparel a fresh start. The event, which combined philanthropy, community, and sustainability, was a major success, raising an impressive amount for charity. Both students and faculty came to shop, support friends, and ultimately help a worthy cause.
Coheads Sean Griggs ’26 and Robert Budzinski ’26 described the excitement of seeing their planning come to fruition. Griggs recalled the satisfying feeling of a big turnout, after they had worked hard to coordinate the event. Even casual shoppers, whether aware of it or not, were helping the club donate to those in need. PA Wings Initiative is potentially going to give the money to the Lazarus House, a charity focused on providing shelter, food, and other resources to people in need.
“Robert and I helped to set up everything for the thrift…it was a new experience, [and it] ran pretty smoothly. Especially when people began filing in, and I think at its peak, maybe 20 minutes after we started, I think we had maybe 50 or 60 kids in there at once. So it was really great to see how many people came out to both support the club if they knew what it was, but also to come to the thrift store and, knowing or unknowingly, their donations and the money that they’re spending on these clothes is going to go to a good cause.
Chloe Abou-Ezzi ‘27 initially attended the event to support a friend, but in the process, discovered the exciting aspect of thrifting culture. What began as an obligation transformed into a genuine shopping experience, particularly when she found a quirky Mona Lisa T-shirt!
“My friend Laura was helping run [the PA Thrift], so I just thought I’d go support her. I got a really funny Mona Lisa T-shirt, so that was definitely my favorite part. I thought it was funny, so I bought it as a joke. And the music, the music was low-key hype… I think the selection was pretty good,” said Abou-Ezzi.
Board member Drew Wasylyshyn ’26 also noted the event’s upbeat and welcoming atmosphere as a major accomplishment. With music playing, people smiling, and even Paresky Commons staff stopping by to shop, the event created a lively, community-driven space.
“I’d say a highlight was just the overall vibe of the thrift. It was a great time. We brought a speaker in, we were playing music, and we made it a very welcoming environment. Even some of the [Paresky] commons workers decided to come shop at the thrift, and it was really great. Everyone was smiling and laughing and looking through clothes, and having fun,” said Wasylyshyn.
Ashley Suh ’27 also attended the thrift intending to support a friend, but soon found herself fully immersed in the experience. Impressed by the vast collection, she also found herself in awe of the organization and tidiness of the event, making it easy for her to discover new pieces. Suh expressed awe for the thrift’s mission and is looking forward to donating to future causes.
“A few of my friends and I thought we would go and see what they have and support her. I found this really cute Vineyard Vines shirt, and it was such a steal. It was $5, it was really cute, and I thought they had a lot of good stuff. I would definitely donate to the PA Thrift events because I could see that they were going to good use. I didn’t think there was anything that could be improved. It was very well organized and very tidy,” said Suh.
Drew Wasylyshyn ’26 hoped attendees would leave with a deeper appreciation for how simple acts, like donating clothing, can significantly impact someone else’s life. He emphasized that fundraisers like the thrift event are effective and crucial in supporting those in need.
“I hope that [the attendees] took away how donating clothes can really elevate and improve someone’s life. I think that it’s such a small act that has so much potential to brighten someone else’s day. Fundraisers like these are really critical to help out our community and the people struggling around us,” said Wasylyshyn.
