Drake LEAD Students’ Thrift Shop Raises Money, Donates Clothes
Tuesday, December 10th, 2024
Drake Threads is an on-campus pop-up thrift shop created by Professor of Education Tom Buckmiller’s LEAD capstone class. The pop-up thrift shop drew more than 300 customers, collected more than 1,000 items, and raised $533 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa. All items not sold were donated to Central Iowa Shelter and Services.
“Our first goal was 100 items in, 100 items out,” said Bria Rhodes, a senior majoring in Elementary Education in the LEAD capstone, who advocated strongly for the idea of a thrift project. “We’ve seen so much support and so many donations.”
This event was more than just a trendy spot for fashion finds, it embodies a movement dedicated to sustainability, creativity, and environmental improvement. Drake LEAD students are hoping to prove that style and eco-consciousness can go hand in hand by collecting gently used clothes from Drake University students and giving them a second life.
“We’re hoping to educate people on the benefits of thrifting nice items that are barely used,” Rhodes explained.
Environmental Impact of Fashion
The environmental cost of fast fashion is steep. Production and disposal of clothing contribute significantly to pollution, water waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, the fashion industry is responsible for 10 percent of total carbon emissions annually, and producing a single new cotton shirt requires 2,700 liters of water—enough for one person to drink for two and a half years according to a report by the European Parliament. Knowing the water and emissions costs, it’s clear that conscious, ethical consumption is more vital than ever. Drake Threads is tackling the global issue of fast fashion pollution with a local solution. Every piece of clothing repurposed through Drake Threads is a step toward cutting down on the resources needed for new apparel and a reminder of the value in reusing what we already have.
Why Reusing Clothes Matters
Reusing clothes can reduce environmental footprint and promote a culture of mindful consumption. Extending the life of clothing through second-hand use could lessen how many textiles end up in landfills. With secondhand clothing accounting for more than nine percent of the total United States apparel market, mindful consumption could aid in increasing these statistics. According to the EPA, Citizens of the United States throw away approximately 11.3 million tons of textile waste each year, a number that could be greatly reduced through thrifting and clothing swaps.
“I grew up with a thrifting background,” Rhodes said. “It helped me advocate for a thrift pop-up as a way to help the community and the environment.”
Drake Threads’ mission goes beyond saving fabric from the trash heap. It encourages the Drake community to look at fashion differently—not as a disposable commodity but as an opportunity for personal expression and collective responsibility. By supporting this initiative, students made an eco-friendly choice and hope to cultivate a sense of connection through shared values on campus.
Movement for the Future
“We’re hoping that the Drake community takes this experience and keeps advocating for people who need it and are more aware of giving and the environment,” Rhodes said.
By participating in the thrift pop-up, students at Drake aren’t just consumers; they are active agents in a movement that prioritizes the planet, embraces creativity, and values community action. They’re investing in a more sustainable future, one outfit at a time.
