The University of Oregon's spring Clothing and Toy Exchange will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, in the Community Room at Spencer View Family Housing. All faculty, staff and student families are invited and welcome to attend.

A student parent who attended one of last year’s exchange events described it as her favorite "store," where she gets to shop twice a year. “As a student, I do not have a lot of extra money to shop and the event provides my family the opportunity to exchange outgrown items for something new,” she said.

The UO Clothing and Toy Exchanges are held twice per year, offering merchandise and an opportunity for student, staff and faculty families to connect.

Each exchange event provides a variety of toys, clothes and other gear, allowing families to shop together for something new and exchange no-longer-needed goods. Items for exchange should be dropped off at 9:30 a.m., followed by shopping from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Healthy snacks will be provided. Mr. Spaghetti Man will entertain children with a magic show, balloon animals and caricature drawings.

The casual atmosphere creates opportunities for university parents to connect and create support networks. There will also be a resource table with information about services and events on campus tailored to UO families.

Any clothing or toys that are not purchased by the end of the event will be donated to a local children’s charity. Each of the twice-yearly exchanges usually generates a car full of items for donation.

For questions or further information, contact Lindsey Arkfeld at larkfeld@uoregon.edu.

- by Sarah MacKenzie, UO Office of Public Affairs Communications Intern