BLACKSBURG — The YMCA at Virginia Tech announced a new collaborative effort with the Sustainable Fashion Society and Virginia Tech sororities to reduce the environmental and financial impact of fast fashion consumption.
Each year, millions of event dresses are purchased, worn once, and discarded—contributing significantly to textile waste, pollution, and overspending among consumers. In response, the YMCA at Virginia Tech is launching a community-driven consignment program designed to extend the life cycle of high-quality garments while providing students and community members with an affordable alternative to fast fashion.
“This initiative empowers our community to make sustainable choices without sacrificing style or affordability. Every dress given a second life is one less garment ending up in a landfill.” said Jami McQuain, Associate Director of Resource Development at the YMCA at Virginia Tech.
Consignors will receive 30% of the profit from each item sold—a rate significantly higher than what traditional consignment stores typically offer. The program accepts formal gowns, cocktail dresses, and semi-formal attire, ensuring that high-quality pieces remain in circulation rather than collecting dust or being thrown away.
All students, community members, and organizations are invited to participate—both as consignors and shoppers.
“Students shouldn’t have to choose between participating in campus life and protecting the environment,” said Kera Do, a student intern supporting the Sustainable Fashion Society’s work with the Y. “This program makes sustainable fashion easy, fun, and financially rewarding. I love seeing dresses get a second chance to shine.”
Mark Your Calendars: First sale day
Wednesday, Feb. 11 at noon at The Y Center, 1000 N. Main St. Blacksburg
The YMCA at Virginia Tech is collaborating with Chi Delta Alpha, the inaugural sorority partner for this initiative. This first collection event will kick off a series of community-driven efforts to transform how students think about event fashion—shifting from one-time use to intentional, sustainable practices.
Call for consignors
Have a formal gown, cocktail dress, accessories or semi-formal piece ready for a second life? We invite you to join this sustainability-focused movement by consigning your gently worn event attire. Your participation keeps quality garments out of landfills, supports your community, and helps redefine fashion culture at Virginia Tech.
For more information or to get involved visit www.https://vtymca.org/y-consignment-sales/ or contact: Kera Do, Student Fashion Marketing Intern at kera.do@vtymca.org.
YMCA at Virginia Tech
