Earth Day Spring Clothing Swap Held By Suffolk's Austin Williams

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Austin Williams, an advertising agency, celebrated Earth Day by hosting its second annual, building-wide Spring Clothing Swap at its headquarters, at 80 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, on Thursday.

"The fast fashion industry produces over 92 million tons of textile waste every year, causing detrimental damage to our environment," said Eva LaMere, president of Austin Williams, in a news release. "What better way to decrease textile waste and raise awareness for sustainable practices than by creating our own thrift store – right here in our office building? Plus, it’s a fun way to build community and get everyone involved."

Employees of Austin Williams and fellow corporations sharing the office building were asked to bring gently used clothing. Then, members of Austin Williams’ Culture Committee created a clothing display in the building’s café, where employees came to shop and find new pieces for their wardrobes.

After the swap, all remaining clothes were donated to Long Island Lending A Helping Hand (LILAHH), a food pantry and community center serving low-income and food-insecure neighbors in Rocky Point.

"This is our second consecutive year hosting the Clothing Swap, and we are thrilled that so many people were willing to donate their clothes and show their dedication to protecting our environment," said Victoria Hilton and Courtney Stuber, senior digital analyst and digital data analyst at Austin Williams and co-creators of the swap. "This year, we saved more than 200 items of clothing and donated 10 bags of gently used clothing to fellow Long Islanders in need, which is a huge accomplishment not only for Austin Williams but for our entire building!"