St. George’s charity drive was “overwhelming”

More than 30 bags of clothing were donated to a charity drive, hosted by a St George’s retailer.

Angel Burgess of A2Z Clothing and Accessories held the charity drive on Saturday at the store and received bags and bags of clothing.

Today, she held a pop-up shop so that people who need clothing and shoes but can’t afford them could get them free of charge.

Ms Burgess hosted the event as a way to give back to the community, specifically those who are having financial difficulties but still need clothing and shoes.

Overwhelming

Asked how the event went, Ms Burgess said: “Yesterday was hectic, but the response was overwhelming.

“We were at the shop late. We left and came back at 11:30pm and there were bags outside.

‘We started at 12:30pm and went all day.”

She continued: “This morning, we got here and there were bags outside.

“All in all, we got more than 30 bags of stuff. Mainly women and children’s clothing but some men’s stuff as well.

“We got about 40 pairs of shoes.”

Asked how the give back portion was going so far today, Ms Burgess said: “It’s going good so far.

“We had so much stuff so we do have a lot left. We made a serious dent in what we have.”

Ms Burgess said she planned to stay for the rest of the afternoon to see if anyone else would come by.

If all the clothing doesn’t go, Ms Burgess plans to donate the remaining items to the Salvation Army and to a women’s centre.

Asked how people responded to the event, she said: “People are excited and thankful.

“One lady tired to give us $50 but we wouldn’t take it.

“Next year, I will have a donation box and rather than picking a charity, we’ll donate to a college student.

“We will give whatever people donate.”

Ms Burgess thanked her husband Jason and her friends for helping out with the event.

“I couldn't have done this without my friends.

“My fried Dean and my husband were here all day.

“My girlfriends came in and have been very supportive and excited.

“I’m really thankful for them.”

Ms Burgess said she will work out some of the kinks and host the event again next year, possibly over a two-day period.