Dieters shed more than weight
As Weight Watchers members shed pounds in October, they also shed their clothes.
Weight Watchers collected 625 pounds of men's and women's suits and casual wear and donated them to the Salvation Army during the Great Pound Exchange at Weight Watchers in Westown Market Square on Nov. 6.
"I've never been so happy to accept so many pounds," said Tracie Parker, director of development for the Salvation Army.
"This is an assurance (they'll) never be back in this clothing," said Weight Watchers spokeswoman Mary Ellen Smith. She said it was important for members to give away their old clothes because winter is the hardest time of the year to keep weight off.
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"People are more sedentary during the winter because of the cold and the holidays, so giving up the too-big clothes is an incentive for them to keep the weight off," she said.
Weight Watchers spokeswoman Mary Ellen Smith (left) and Salvation Army Director of Development Tracie Parker show some of the clothing donated by people who have lost weight.
Photo by C. Samantha McKevie
Pat Marchant of North Augusta gave away about 30 items. Ms. Marchant said she has given clothes to the Salvation Army as she has lost 30 pounds in two years with the Weight Watchers program because, "As you go down, you don't want the reminders.
"We know there are people out there who don't have clothes and need them. Luckily, they are too big for me. And I don't know if everyone knows this, but you can claim it on your taxes, so it's a double benefit."
According to Ms. Parker, the money made from selling the donated clothes goes to fund Salvation Army rehabilitation programs, shelters and soup kitchens.
"People who can't afford retail prices rely on us for winter clothes," she said, adding that most people don't think to donate clothes during the holiday season. "Retail stores get shipments of clothes they purchase, but ours come from the community."
For information, call 826-7933.
Reach C. Samantha McKevie at (706) 823-3552 or samantha.mckevie@augustachronicle.com