Pop-up shop to benefit Children & Families First March 26

For months, Sussex Academy student Adelle Leebel has dedicated her after-school and weekend hours to organizing a pop-up shop fundraising event to benefit Children & Families First, a Delaware-based nonprofit organization. 

Her vision will come to life when the doors to the Caring Community Closet Pop-Up Thrift Shop open to the public from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 26, at Sussex Academy high school, 21150 Airport Road, Georgetown.

The one-day, open-to-the-public event is free to attend and requires no pre-registration. Attendees will have the opportunity to shop from a wide variety of previously loved clothing, shoes and jewelry - including designer label items. All clothing will be priced at $1 per pound and attendees are encouraged to bring cash. Sussex Academy will also offer light refreshments for sale.

“The pandemic has been really hard on everyone, including families here in Sussex County; I know that Children & Families First does an outstanding job of connecting families with the resources they need to get through tough times. I love thrifting with my friends, so I wanted to create a similar experience for members of my community,” said Adelle.

The items featured at the event came from a number of sources thanks to the support of her mother Kathleen, and that of other Sussex Academy students and their families. Those who donated were inspired by her idea not only to repurpose items they no longer needed, but to also use the proceeds of the event to benefit an organization dedicated to helping children in Delaware.

“Our family is very proud of Adelle for her vision of combining a lively thrift shopping event with a fundraiser for Children & Families First. I'm proud of our school as well. Sussex Academy students and families are always extremely generous, especially when it comes to supporting our students and their initiatives. I know that Adelle and her friends are going to have a successful event - and have a lot of fun as well,” said Kathleen.

Children & Families First is one of Delaware’s oldest and most trusted leaders in meeting the needs of children and families. Engaging more than 20,000 individuals each year, CFF provides a continuum of programs and services to help children facing adversity thrive to their full potential. 

“I was truly inspired when Adelle offered to host this fundraiser on our behalf,” said Steff DiMartine CFF special event coordinator, “because as a youth herself she recognized, we really are transforming the lives and futures of children right here in Sussex County every day.”

Those who cannot attend the event but wish to support the cause are encouraged to go to cffde.org.