How do you turn your old t-shirt into a brand new one free of charge? Visit the annual REC/IM T-shirt Exchange, taking place during Eastern Michigan University's homecoming week from Monday, Oct. 16 through Wednesday, Oct. 18. Start by grabbing your new or gently used shirts. Then head to the REC/IM's front desk, hand them your gear, and you'll get a free EMU homecoming shirt in return! This year’s design displays the “Follow the Green and White Road” theme with an eagle soaring over the state of Michigan.
The T-Shirt Exchange event has been a part of Eastern’s Homecoming calendar for fifteen years. Since 2002, the REC/IM has played host for every exchange. Michelle Owens, Assistant Director for the Rec/IM said, “We wanted something we could do every year as a part of homecoming tradition.” With that idea in mind, they organized an activity that is fun for students that also supports the local community.
All the shirts turned in to the exchange will be donated to Homeless Empowerment Relationship Organization (H.E.R.O.). The non-profit organization H.E.R.O. empowers local community members who are or are at risk of being homeless. They do this by teaching participants to obtain goals to reach personal growth and success. Included in their programming is goal setting workshops, educational programs for high school students, and work programs for expecting mothers. Additional services such as food banks and clothing distribution are offered.
Shirts to trade in during the exchange can be other college or university t-shirts or sweatshirts. They must be new or gently used to be eligible. A variety of sizes are encouraged and offered from small to XXL. The event will give away over 1,000 t-shirts throughout the three days. You can participate in the exchange all week: Monday 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Rec/IM), Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Rec/IM), and Wednesday 11:30-1:30 (at Student Center, campus Picnic). More information on the event can be found under the campus Homecoming Events page or social media.
