The University of Kentucky’s 8th annual Thrift Shop Pop Up marked one of its most successful years yet, with a record-setting 1,893 pounds of items donated and more than 330 students stopping by to “shop” for free clothing, shoes and accessories.
The event, organized by UK Recycling in Facilities Management in partnership with The Thrifty Cat, Wildcat Wardrobe and Student Organizations and Activities, helped keep useable items out of landfills while giving students an opportunity to replenish their wardrobe. In total, 857 pounds were redistributed directly to students with the remaining 1,036 pounds donated to The Thrifty Cat, UK’s campus free store for students.
Erin Geibel, recycling coordinator in Facilities Management, said strong participation and broad support made the event possible.
“This year’s Thrift Shop Pop Up was a success because of strong student engagement, effective promotion and the support of all the volunteers and partners who helped in preparation and on the day of the event,” Geibel said. “We also received generous donations from staff, faculty, students and the broader community, which made it possible to offer a wide variety of items.”
By providing a free event for students to thrift items, the Thrift Shop Pop Up creates an opportunity for students to engage with sustainability in a tangible way.
“The event supports the campus community by providing free access to clothing, shoes and accessories, helping reduce financial barriers for some students,” Geibel said. “The fashion industry is resource-intensive, so extending the life of clothing through reuse helps lower carbon emissions and water usage. It also encourages more mindful consumption habits and supports a circular economy.”
Students who attended said they were surprised by the selection and grateful for the chance to find what they needed without added cost.
“I didn’t expect there to be this many clothes,” said Shelby Rockwell, a dietetics freshman in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “I try to thrift when I can because it’s so expensive in store. I like to give clothes a new life.”
Makelah Arzu-Porter, a communication sophomore in the College of Communication and Information, said the event helped her prepare for an upcoming opportunity.
“I have a professional internship for two months and all these professional clothes helped me,” she said. “Thrifting gives you a chance to find clothes that fit your price without going to traditional stores and paying a lot of money for them.”
This year also marked the first time organizers gathered formal student feedback; input Geibel said will shape future events.
“Students loved the event and want it to happen more often, while also suggesting more variety in items and better organization by sizing for easier browsing,” she said. “Using this feedback will help us make future pop-up events more impactful and accessible for the campus community.”
Students can thrift year-round on campus at The Thrifty Cat, which offers gently used clothing, furniture, dorm essentials and textbooks. The Thrifty Cat is located in the basement of the Blazer Dining building in room 5. View their inventory and hours.
UK Photo | Mark Cornelison