Uniform swap provides cheaper school shopping

Vangie Wells of Shreveport sorts through school uniforms during a swap Sunday afternoon at Gymboree in Shreveport. Val Horvath/The Times 081207

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Shreveporter Vangie Wells estimates she spends about $100 to outfit her daughter in the required school uniform at the beginning of the year.

This year, she won't have to spend as much.

On Saturday, Wells dropped off uniform pieces that her daughter couldn't fit anymore.

On Sunday, she was able to go pick out bigger sizes for free.

SBFamilies.com, created by Shreveporter Allison Cate, hosted a Uniform Swap at Gymboree Play and Music in the Uptown Shopping Center on Line Avenue.

"Back-to-school costs can be really expensive," Cate said as to why she started the swap. "Supplies are one thing, but uniforms ..."

Khaki pants, skirts and jumpers lined the walls in a back room of the activity center as well as polo shirts of varying colors.

Parents were able to pick out as many items as they had donated the day before. After the swap, Cate allowed people who didn't donate anything to purchase pieces for $2.

Any clothes left over will be given to school clothes pantries or needy families, Cate said. The money made from the sale of uniform pieces will be given to a local charity.

The swap not only served as a money-saver to some, but it also was a place for people to drop off clothes they simply wanted to donate, she said.

"If you can find what you need (at the swap), it's better than paying full price," said Jean Raggio, who had to get new uniform pieces because new uniform colors were mandated at her children's school.

Joanna Harvey left the swap with her arms full of clothes and was also satisfied with the deal she got from swapping.

Cate said some suggested she have another one in the spring, so she's considering it.

She's also looking into doing other swaps for expensive children's items like books and Halloween costumes.