Modeling a pastel, tulle dress for the workers at the Class Clothing Sale, Laura Galgan said she knew she had found the perfect Halloween costume.
Earlier in the day, the sociology junior bought a vintage hat, and she came back that afternoon for a long winter coat. Galgan kept finding more items at the sale she wanted to purchase, including the dress.
For a second year, Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, is hosting a Classy Clothing Sale to benefit the Prime Time Seniors' Program from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Friday.
The Prime Time Seniors' Program organizes classes, trips and entertainment programs for East Lansing senior citizens. The city of East Lansing requires the program to raise 16 percent of its annual budget, program director Kelly Arndt said.
The program does not have a very big budget, said Lindsay Bacon, a program planning intern. She said, however, the community thinks it is very beneficial.
"We get the least amount of money of all the city programs," Bacon said. "But we were ranked number three of all the city programs."
The Prime Time Seniors' Program has an annual budget of $200,150 per year, said Connie Larkin, assistant finance director.
The Classy Clothing Sale is one of two fund-raisers for the Prime Time Seniors' Program. In August, the program will hold a rummage sale to raise more money for the annual budget.
The clothing sale includes a wide variety of clothing for men, women and children. A special boutique section offers items such as jewelry, dresses and suits. There is a wedding dress available for purchase and a jewelry expert to help customers.
The items for sale were donated by community members, Arndt said.
"Most of it is from seniors that want to scale down," she said, adding that the prices are very reasonable. Some prices include blouses and shirts for $2, jeans for $2 and belts for 50 cents.
"It's a nice way for our community to recycle our clothes," Arndt said. "It seems to be embraced by the student community."
On Friday, there will be a sale where anything that fits into a grocery bag will be $2, excluding specialty items. Arndt said it is a good way to find fabrics if someone quilts.
Galgan said she enjoyed the company of the seniors working at the sale.
"We've been playing dress-up all day," Galgan said. "It's a wonderful thing they're are sponsoring this program (for the seniors)."
Another student, Megan Morse, a no-preference freshman at Lansing Community College, said the selection of clothing at the sale is good for young people into vintage styles.
"Some of the stuff is classic from the '40s and '50s," Morse said. "You just can't find it anywhere."
Morse said she likes to express herself through her style, and she loves the selection at the Classy Clothing Sale.
"I'm big into bargain shopping and unique clothing," she said.
