Laconia High student raises $400 by selling clothes from her closet

LACONIA — Victoria Casarano, 15, raised over $400 from the second annual Victoria’s Closet clothing sale at her home in Laconia on Sunday.

Most of the clothing in the sale was lightly used, direct from the high schooler's closet for women and teens. Whether they didn’t fit, or were just unwanted, Casarano she wanted to find something to do with the clothing items. Casarano sold each piece of clothing for $1. Her mother, Cristen Campbell, said the sale is to help others.

“Each piece of clothing was $1, no matter what the brand was, or if it had a tag on it,” Campbell said.

Casarano plans to donate the proceeds to Got Lunch! Laconia. The program, established in 2010, helps address food insecurity among the city’s school-aged children by delivering groceries to their homes during the summer. On average, 57% of Laconia’s students qualify for free and reduced lunches. And according to the Got Lunch! Laconia website, when school is not in session, many of those children are likely to miss a meal, even two, if they typically receive school breakfast in the morning.

After volunteering with Got Lunch! Laconia last year, Casarano wanted to make an impact.

“Last year I was doing the Got Lunch! program, and I was seeing how many kids were in need,” Casarano said. “So, I decided to start the program to help out kids.”

Casarano’s 8-year-old niece Elena Hebert also donated clothes to the sale, influenced by her aunt's good deed.

“She saw us doing it, so she came over with a little bag, like a garbage bag, full of her own clothes, too,” Campbell said.

Campbell also said people have reached out expressing gratitude for providing the clothes at a low cost.

Last year, Casarano raised $350, and used the money to donate clothing to the care closets at Laconia schools. Closets provide material help for those who need it, such as clothing or school supplies.

This year, Casarano chose Got Lunch! Laconia, remembering her time volunteering. Her clothing sale Sunday raised almost $400. There are some clothes still available, and Casarano and Campbell will sell them from their home this week. Those interested can stop by 1261 Old North Main Street.

Victoria did not sell 400 items at $1. Many customers donated to the cause.

“Someone came and they took 25 items, and they gave us $40, since they know it's getting donated,” Campbell said.

Casarano will hold another Victoria’s Closet sale again next year. Not only will she provide her own clothes, but will also be accepting donations from the community.

“I've always just loved helping people, and seeing how many kids really need help inspired me to just help out with it.”