(Editor's Note: Thanks to reader Suzanne Collier for sending in this story.)

Laguna Niguel resident, Diane Smith has found a unique way to give to Laura’s House, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence. Every winter, for the past 14 years, she has hosted a one-day “Clothes Exchange Party” in her home to benefit local charities, including Laura’s House.

When describing the “Clothes Exchange Party,” Diane Smith said, “I call it a win, win, win situation. My friends and neighbors benefit in several ways – they get motivated to really clean out their closets and get rid of unwanted items, and they come home after the exchange with new items that they didn’t have to pay for. Additionally, they get the satisfaction of knowing that their donations will also benefit the women and children served by Laura’s House, many of whom arrive at the shelter with nothing but the clothing on their backs, as they make a new start, and rebuild their lives free of violence.”

This year, the “Clothes Exchange Party” took place at Diane’s home in Laguna Niguel on Sunday, Feb. 12. More than 80 women joined in for an afternoon of shopping, fun and fellowship. Light snacks and drinks were served as participants perused racks of clothing and tables full of jewelry and accessories. Donors participating in the event were asked to drop off their clothing and other items a several days in advance so that Smith and her volunteers could arrange the items in “boutique” fashion to enhance the shopping experience.

“I really couldn’t have done this without all of the volunteers who spent endless hours setting up and taking down after the event,” she said. 

Following the “Clothes Exchange Party,” more than 2,000 pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories were collected for Laura’s House. Donated items will be given to the women and children served by the Laura’s House shelter.

Additionally, donations will be used by the Laura’s House Resale Store in Lake Forest, which sells gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, books, collectibles and artwork to generate income to support the programs and services offered by Laura’s House.

“We are grateful to Diane and other members of the local community who are consistently coming up with creative ways to support our organization,” said Paolo Scarfo, general manager, Laura’s House Resale Store. “There are so many ways in which one can help to raise money and build awareness for the work that we do here in the community, and I cannot underestimate the positive impact that events like this have on our organization and the families we serve.”