KLSA gives back to the community

Think Paris is the only fashion hotspot around? Guess again. We have our own right here in Kaiserslautern.

The Kaiserslautern Landstuhl Spouses Association hosted its last official function before the summer break May 24. The theme, “Thrift Shop Fabulous: Not your mother’s kind of fashion show,” featured boutique-like items modeled by teens and adults. The models wore clothing that ranged from sporty to business casual to formal — all from the Pulaski and Landstuhl thrift shops.

Like other monthly functions, Thrift Shop Fabulous incorporated aspects of the surrounding community (volunteers), the thrift shops (clothing and accessories) and the KLSA values (friendship, service, integrity, generosity, accountability and courtesy).

It is only through the continued support of the community in the form of donations, consignments, purchasing and volunteerism that the KLSA is able to ensure resources continue to be available to all.

Because of this, the KLSA (the governing board of both Pulaski and Landstuhl thrift shops) returned more than $160,000 to the community by supporting programs like the Special Olympics, the Kaiserslautern High School End of Year Picnic, Volunteer of the Year Ceremony, U.S. Army Garrison-Kaiserslautern, United Service Organizations, and the Boy and Girl Scout Troops, to name a few. 

This year, the KLSA sent 11 delegates to the Americans Working Around the Globe Conference in Garmisch. This year’s theme, “Always Working Always Growing,” was representative of the KLSA’s mission and its commitment to community.
The KLSA was proud to have three guest speakers from the thrift shops present information at the conference — a first ever event.

In fact, the fun not only takes place outside in the community and at the functions, but also at the thrift shops. Look for the Summer Solstice Sale at the Landstuhl Thrift Shop on June 22 and at the Pulaski Thrift Shop on June 23 for extended sale hours.

Additionally, the Pulaski Thrift Shop continues to have huge sidewalk sales throughout the summer. Come out, fill a bag outside on the sidewalk for $5, and then come indoors for more awesome sales.

In addition to the fashion show, the KLSA also hosted a farewell to the outgoing board members and the induction ceremony for the incoming 2011-2012 board members.

Although the incoming board will not hold meetings throughout the summer, they are already working behind the scenes to ensure they begin the upcoming year with a bang. They are already planning next year’s functions.

Sounds like something you can’t wait to be a part of? Have some great ideas for function themes? Interested in volunteering?

Learn more about KLSA by visiting their website at www.klsagrapevine.org, finding them on Facebook or by dropping by one of the thrift stores.

Don’t forget: You can submit your welfare requests to KLSA.welfare@yahoo.com.

(Courtesy of Lt. Col. Anna R. Friederich, 21st Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs)