Strapped For Cash? 3rd Annual ‘Uniform Swap’ Is Saturday

This Saturday, the Third Annual School Uniform Swap can help families spend less on back-to-school items.

“I love it,” said National Self Storage Manager Luisa Langer. “I see all these kids coming in excited and donating their uniforms. I know they’re not new, but it’s exciting because it’s something new to them.”

National Self Storage is just one of many local businesses donating services to the school uniform swap this Saturday. The swap started three years ago when a group of parents from the Horizon City Lions Club decided recycling old school uniforms could help ease the back-to-school financial burden for a lot of families.

Last year, the swap drew around 400 families, and this year, organizers are expecting even more.

“It’s worthwhile to help the parents that can’t afford (it),” Langer said. “I’m a grandma of 11 kids, so I know my daughters sometimes can’t afford to buy them uniforms. Then they outgrow them so quick.”

This year, parents can drop off gently worn uniforms at three different locations in El Paso. Parents can pick up uniforms Saturday morning at Eastlake High School.

Langer pointed out the swap not only saves families money, but also helps give some students more self-confidence.

“Kids can be a little bit mean, so when they see someone who’s not dressed right, they make fun of them. Now they have a nice pair of pants, they’re more confident to go to school,” Langer said.

Drop off locations: -Angelus Cleaners, Inc. – 816 N. Mesa St. -National Self Storage – 7620 North Loop & Carolina -Socorro Ramirez Community Center – 106 Peyton Rd., Sparks

School Uniform Swap Location: Eastlake High School 13000 Emerald Pass Ave. Saturday, July 23, 2011 8am – 11am