To raise money for academic scholarships for the children of Las Palmas, El Ropero was sponsored by the Columbus School Foundation with students’ clothing donations on February 17.

With a gain of COP 4,000,000, the first ropero of 2017 was successful. Unsold clothing was taken to The Columbus School Foundation and to the ropero of Las Palmas.

“The school never keeps the unsold clothing, it is always donated to different foundations,” Mari Luz Meza, Columbus School Foundation Coordinator, said.

While COP 4,000,000, pesos was raised for scholarships, it is not enough to support all the students in need, so the foundation conducts other fundraisers such as El Dia De Las Velitas and solicits donations from parents.

”At this moment we are unable to give more scholarships because we have students studying for very expensive careers. We are waiting for these students to finish their studies to give this opportunity to other people,” Meza said.

El Ropero started before 8 a.m. and sold until 3 p.m. From 1-3 p.m. was ‘Happy Hour’, with all clothes selling for COP 1,000. Everything from hair ties to a stereo speakers was sold for COP 3,000. Student volunteers assisted the entire day.

”I love seeing how people smile buying all these pretty clothes. When I finished this day I felt really satisfied and happy with my contribution,” Susana Echeverry, 11th grader, said.

Originally, El Ropero was only opened to the Las Palmas community, but few years ago, the Foundation opened it up to Columbus School cafeteria employees, maintenance, and teaching staff.

“I bought clothes for my granddaughter that will be born in May. Everything was very pretty. The prices are very good for us because now a days with 3.000 pesos you can’t buy anything,“ Rosmira Jaramillo, school maintenance worker, said.

All athletic clothing donated was immediately given to the foundation Futbol Para El Futuro. Baby clothes were donated to the foundation Kanguro. Lastly, braziers were given to the breast cancer foundation.

”It is very satisfying what we do because it isn’t always about collecting money but instead, to contribute society,” Meza said.

Because the foundation is always collecting and storing clothing on racks in front of their office, many people don’t realize their purpose or how to contribute.

“They are definitely not doing a good job in reminding people to donate. I didn’t even know El Ropero was taking place last Friday. If I would have known I would have brought a lot of clothes,” Luisa Delgado, 11th grader, said.

This year’s clothing donations decreased significantly. Meza is working on a future strategy to let parents and students know when the donations begin and improve the Foundation’s ability to raise funds.

“I will be meeting up with Astrid Muñoz to design a good marketing plan,” Meza said.