IvyCares Intern Leads Successful ‘Thrifty Thursday’ Event to Empower Students

On Thursday, Ivy Tech Indianapolis saw the success of its latest campus outreach initiative, “Thrifty Thursday,” created and organized by human services and social work intern Sophia Hicks. The event offered students access to free, high-quality clothing while redefining the clothing closet as an accessible and stigma-free resource.

“This is for you,” Hicks emphasized to students. “I want our students to use this resource. It’s okay. You’re allowed to be here, and we encourage you to be here.”

A Personal Connection Inspires Action

Hicks, 23, knows firsthand the value of community support. After a challenging experience at a previous college, she took time to regroup before enrolling at Ivy Tech Indianapolis. 

“It’s been phenomenal,” she said of her time at Ivy Tech Indy. “I’m on my third year for a two-year degree, but I don’t care about the timing because I’ve learned I’ve got to do things that work for me, and going to school part-time works for me. I do things at my own pace, and Ivy Tech has been a great environment for that. I’ve been flying high with a stellar GPA since day one.”

Hicks’ involvement with the clothing closet began as part of her IvyCares internship. 

“Each IvyCares intern has a project to take care of,” she explained. “The clothing closet is my project for this semester.” 

Hicks’ initial introduction to the closet was a personal one. 

“When I first started the internship, our dress code was casual professional, and I didn’t have any clothing that fit that description for summer,” she said. “I asked [the director] what I should buy, and she told me, ‘Absolutely not. Shop the clothing closet.’ That moment was so impactful for me, and I knew I wanted to take care of it and watch it grow.”

Sophia Hicks poses for a photo.

Turning Overflow Into Opportunity

The idea for Thrifty Thursday emerged out of necessity. Following an overwhelming influx of donations during a winter clothing drive, the closet was at capacity. 

“I was brainstorming with Mary Louise Edwards, the IvyCares Director,” Hicks recalled. “And I said, ‘What am I going to do?’ and she said, ‘Maybe you need to do a clear-out event.’ That’s when I blurted out ‘Thrifty Thursday!’ and she told me, ‘Run with it.’”

Hicks wanted the event to be more than a clothing giveaway. By connecting it with the food pantry, she created an inviting experience for students to explore all that IvyCares has to offer. 

“We’re advertising it differently to reduce the stigma that can come with using a clothing closet,” she said. “I want students to see it as a wonderful little resource where they can get free, new-to-you clothing.”

The wide variety of donations ensured something for everyone. 

“We received a lot of casual clothing, along with business casual and professional wear,” Hicks said. “I even had some cute kids’ items, like a dinosaur bathrobe and a T-Rex Christmas sweater. The goal was to get as much clothing to as many people as possible, whether that was five or fifty.”

A student browses the IvyCares clothing closet on Thrifty Thursday.

A Transformative Experience

For Hicks, the success of “Thrifty Thursday” is a testament to her passion for human services. 

Her drive stems from personal experiences with social work, which motivated her to give back. “I want to help other people the way social services helped me,” she said.

Her time at Ivy Tech has solidified her confidence in her career path. 

“I’ve worked so hard for everything, and it’s been paying off so incredibly,” Hicks shared. 

As she prepares to graduate next spring and transfer to Indiana University Indianapolis for her bachelor’s degree, she hopes her work with the clothing closet leaves a lasting legacy.

“I’ve put my heart into this,” she said. “I hope future interns continue what we’ve started and keep building on it.”

A Community Resource for All

Hicks’ work with IvyCares highlights the importance of not only offering accessible resources for students but meeting students where they’re at socially.

“Our door is always open,” she said with a smile, “except for when we’re closed,” she laughed. 

Her humor underscores her belief in the value of kindness and connection. Thanks to her efforts, Thrifty Thursday not only provided students with much-needed clothing but also encouraged them to embrace the support available to them through IvyCares.

If you would like a list of providers for additional assistance while IvyCares is closed, please visit Ivy Assist. Learn more about IvyCares here. 

PLUS: Meet another IvyCares intern who started a water bottle drive