As with everything this year, the Cat’s Pajamas clothing exchange will be slightly different than previous exchanges due to COVID-19.  Please read the info below carefully. The times/dates when you can donate clothing to participate in the exchange are listed below, as well as the dates of the actual exchange.

It’s easy to participate. Just follow these three simple steps:

1. Stop by UpCycle Ohio at 751 West Union Street in Athens during one of the days/times listed below and donate clothing.
2. While you’re there,  get your ticket (free for Makerspace members; just $15 for non-members) and pick the one-hour time slot when you will get to shop.
3. Return to UpCycle Ohio Thrift on the day/time of your reservation and spend an hour searching for the best stuff, taking as many items as you would like.

There will be limits on the number of people admitted to UpCycle Ohio during each of the shopping sessions to ensure safe social distancing, and masks will be required.

Here are the days/times that donations will be accepted for the Cat’s Pajamas clothing exchange:

• 11 (Veterans Day): 11a.m.-5p.m.
• 14: noon-5 p.m.
• 15: noon-3 p.m.
• 17 & 18: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
• 19 & 20: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
• 21: noon-9 p.m.
• 22: noon-6 p.m.

Donations will be accepted as long as tickets for the event remain available, so donate as soon as possible to ensure you get a ticket.

The exchange shopping appointments will be scheduled for Nov. 19-22, with the 19th being reserved for existing and new Makerspace members.  The first hour of each shopping day will be limited to people who are at high risk of COVID-19 infection. See UpCycleOhio.com/catspajamas for more details and a list of the specific shopping times.

Proceeds from the event will benefit UpCycle Ohio’s efforts to create a zero waste economy, and donated clothes that aren’t claimed during the exchange will be distributed throughout the region via the Zero Waste Corridor that links recycling and upcycling efforts in southeastern Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

The Cat’s Pajamas is sponsored by Rural Action, the Community Makerspace Collaborative, the City of Athens, and Arts West.

The Community Makerspace is a collaborative of community organizations that banded together to ensure Southeast Ohio has a Makerspace. Partners include Rural Action, the City of Athens, Arts West, Habitat for Humanity, Athens-Hocking Recycling Centers, ACEnet, Zero Waste Event Productions, Athens County Public Libraries, and Passion Works Studio. Learn more at UpCycleOhio.com.