Minooka Community High School students have the gift of giving through thrifting

The holidays are always a great time for giving, and a couple of Minooka

Community High School (MCHS) students would like to see that turn into a yearlong passion.

MCHS senior, Alaina Frazier, and junior, Morgan Moreno, co-founded the nonprofit, Gifting For

Thrifting, in 2018. The purpose behind Gifting For Thrifting is to gather as much donated

clothing as possible from friends, family, and the surrounding communities, and then hold "pop-

up" thrift stores at various locations where anyone can stop by and shop for free.

Earlier this year, the two National Honor Society members held their first "pop-up" thrift store

event and boasted over 2,000 items of donated clothing. The event drew over 100 guests within

the first hour.

"Whether in need or just looking to have a fun shopping day, Gifting For Thrifting provides

people of all ages, and sizes, the opportunity to come and add some new items to their

wardrobes," stated Alaina Frazier, co-founder of Gifting For Thrifting. "Last year, we began the

journey of Gifting For Thrifting, and although it is a lot of hard work, the results are incredibly

rewarding." continued Frazier.

After becoming a nonprofit corporation this year, the MCHS duo decided to host two "pop-up"

events for the community. The first event was held on November 23 rd from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

at St. Mary's Parish Center in Minooka. Donations were collected for the November event

through the Shorewood and Channahon Village Halls, as well as Walnut Trails Elementary

School. The second event will be held March 14, 2020 and additional information can be found

on their social media channels: Twitter - @giftforthrift, Facebook and Instagram -

@giftingforthrifting.

Mrs. Hannah Keppner, MCHS Spanish Teacher, also played a part in helping these students

get off to a successful start. Mrs. Keppner was able to secure the MCHS South Campus

cafeteria during a Saturday before the first event so the girls would have a large place to sort

and fold all the donated clothing.