NEWBURYPORT — The entrance hallway at City Hall served as a fashion runway of sorts yesterday as a Clothes for Hope initiative showcased garments that will be sold to benefit youngsters in Ghana.
Lauren Sundstrom, a junior at Newburyport High School, has launched a clothes-collection program to aid students in that African country.
She is collecting new or gently used clothing, and the display at City Hall was designed to remind passers-by that the collection process is in its final days.
Attractively attired mannequins were located near the building's entrance; a large collection box sits nearby to collect men's, women's and children's garments.
The clothes were removed late yesterday but the collection box will remain for about two weeks.
The collection has been facilitated by Mayor Donna Holaday.
"I am very impressed with Lauren's project," Holaday said yesterday. "Lauren is demonstrating that one person can truly make a difference in the world, as well as in their community. You can't help but feel inspired."
The Clothes for Hope sale is scheduled for Saturday, March 31, at the CleanTech Center at 10 Mulliken Way in the Newburyport Business Park.
Sundstrom visited Ghana last summer on a community service trip to teach in local schools there.
She learned that students were in need of uniforms and materials, such as desks.
Her Clothes for Hope project has been collecting garments for weeks, and organizers say they have about 5,000 units.
"I was shocked to learn that in Ghana, children can only attend public school if they can afford to purchase a uniform," Sundstrom said.
"By participating in this sale, families on the North Shore can purchase quality clothing at a fraction of the cost, and the money collected will be used to help youngsters (in Ghana) attend school."
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