Another Successful Clothing Closet Event Hosted by the Ladies in Blue

#BeavertonPolice

On October 6, from 1:00pm until 8:00pm, the Ladies in Blue hosted their annual clothing closet event at the Beaverton Resource Center. This year’s event was their biggest one yet- with nearly 600 shoppers!

Along with those who donate their new and gently used clothing, shoes and accessories, the Ladies in Blue rely on the support of volunteers to help collect donations, design their website, translate messaging, and spend many hours sorting, folding, and hanging the thousands of items in the “closet.”

Ladies in Blue originated in 2015, when Beaverton Police Officer Michel Wilson came up with the idea to host a clothing exchange in her basement for women associated with the law enforcement community. Police officers, spouses, dispatchers, and other professionals who worked with law enforcement, as well as their friends and family all came together in the spirit of sharing and empowerment. After seeing the success of this event, Michel recruited Officer Mandi DeFrain and Sergeant DaNeshia Barrett to the group. Together, they shared a goal of including those in the community who could benefit most from access to gently used and new professional and casual clothing at no cost and without judgement.

In 2019, after several years of hosting the event at Mandi’s home, the Ladies in Blue Clothing Closet was formally established. The group hosted the first public event that year, drawing close to 200 community members, mostly women and girls from around the area to share clothing and support each other. Michel has always had a strong connection to fashion and recognized the importance of providing a safe space for community members to choose their own clothing. She also cherished the opportunity to create a positive and personal experience between community members and police.

Much of the clothing for these events continues to be donated by women who have a connection to law enforcement and want to give back to their community. Additionally, several small business owners regularly donate clothing to the organization. Community members have also started donating. The clothing not selected at the event is always donated to local charities to be distributed to those in need.

For more information about the Ladies in Blue, visit www.ladiesinblue6125.com.