Consignment for a cause

Looking for affordable, quality clothing? Then visit the Ladies of Charity Thrift Shop, Nashville's oldest consignment clothing sale.

This semi-annual event began March 18 and will run until May 7 and is described as "a bargain shoppers' paradise."

According to publicity chairman Eileen Devine, gently used spring and summer clothing items for men, women and children will be sold, as well as accessory items like belts, scarves, purses and hats. The store offers many designer labels, such as Liz Claiborne, Gap, Chicos, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger and Ann Taylor at discounted prices.

All types of clothing are available, from business attire to formal wear to sports apparel. All clothing sold is brought in by invitation only, and all items are thoroughly checked and must be in good, clean condition.

"We take in clothes by invitation for four weeks and then price and size them," Devine explains. "The consignee receives 60 percent of the sale price, and we keep 40 percent. At the end of the sale, we pick up the unsold clothes and return them to the owners. If they do not want them, we give them to our welfare office."

Individuals wishing to sell their slightly worn clothing have another opportunity to do so.

"We will begin a second take-in of clothing on April 4, 5 and 6," Devine says.

Devine emphasizes the work ethic and time commitment this sale requires.

"Our thrift shop is open twice a year for six weeks, in both the spring and fall," Devine says. "We have about 180 volunteers who work in the shop, and it is about a 13-week commitment."

The Ladies of Charity consignment sale has something for everyone, Devine says.

"Since many of our members are senior citizens, we have many treasures to share from our attics and closets," Devine says

Even brides-to-be looking for wedding dresses can find what they need at the shop.

According to Mary Hance, writer of "Ms. Cheap's Bargain Bin" for The Tennesseean, there has been a major donation of bridal gowns from Arzelle's Brides and Formals Shop in Nashville.

"The shop has been given more than 40 designer gowns, many of them silk satins, silk organzas and raw silk," Hance says. "These dresses had price tags of $1,500 to $2,400 but will be selling for $59-$399 at the Ladies of Charity sale, and I'm told that most of them are priced at $175 or less."

Several MTSU students say they would be interested in the store and what it has to offer.

"Cheap is good for college students," senior psychology major Derek Richert-Hess says. "But if the things there are no cheaper than items found in Murfreesboro, I probably wouldn't travel the extra miles. The savings wouldn't be worth the gas money you spent."

Sophomore journalism major Kendrick Norman says he would be more likely to shop at the thrift store if he knew its proceeds went to charity.

"That would make a difference between going to that thrift store and another one, since there are several in the Nashville area," Norman says.

"I used to go to thrift stores a lot when I was younger," senior English major Rebecca Newhouse says. "I would still go now, because of those good experiences that I had, and especially if it's for a good cause."

The Ladies of Charity of Nashville is an organization of Catholic women who volunteer their time and efforts in various phases of charitable work in the local community. The Nashville chapter, founded in 1910, is affiliated nationally and internationally with more than 40 nations to comprise the largest volunteer organization in the world.

The thrift shop first opened in 1948 and grew into a large operation, generating funds for the group's charitable works. All proceeds from the consignment sale benefit the Ladies of Charity Welfare Department, a community resource that provides different forms of financial assistance to local individuals.

"We provide four-year scholarships to two girls each year and give out 700 Christmas baskets each holiday season," Devine says. "In addition, the welfare office gives groceries to the needy, pays fuel bills and helps with funeral expenses."

The Ladies of Charity Thrift Shop is located at 2216 State St. in Nashville.

Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 327-3453.