Students donate clothes for kids

Only a few weeks ago, the steps of Crosby Student Center at Gonzaga University overflowed with clothes donated for Teen Closet, a local charity that provides clothes to foster children.

According to a press release, Gonzaga students lugged bags stuffed to the brim with new and used clothes, hoping to give them to those in need while doing their own spring cleaning. They posed for snapshots with a heart-shaped sign that read: “I Gave Piece a Chance” and donated clothes in exchange for purple and green Jigsaw bags.

The clothes drive was hosted by GU marketing students and Jigsaw boutique, 601 W. Main Ave., as part of a semester-long promotional campaign designed to encourage students to donate their clothing “pieces” to Teen Closet and check out trendy, new “pieces” at Jigsaw. The campaign played off the women’s clothing boutique’s puzzle-associated name, with the slogan “Give Piece a Chance.”

Students collected more than 2,000 pieces of clothing for Teen Closet.

The promotional campaign concluded last month with Compassion through Fashion, a shopping event at Jigsaw. Any student who donated clothing or accessories on campus received a puzzle piece coupon that doubled as an invitation to the event and a surprise discount on any purchase. The event aimed to thank students who donated and included free limo service, raffle prizes, makeup demonstrations and store discounts.

Other businesses that helped support the cause and donated prizes included Thomas Hammer Coffee, Boo Radley’s, Jaazz Salon, Pita Pit, Auntie’s Bookstore, Spokandy, Bruttles, the Zag Shop, Marquee Lounge, Taste Café and Spokane Metro Magazine.