If you’re looking for a fun Senior Legacy Gift idea, I have one for you that is so very simple, and will have great impact on many different people and areas of your school.
This project can be run by basically anyone in your school – the PTO, Student Council, Environmental Club, etc. at our school, the Art Department & Student Council teamed up to handle it:
We are starting a new tradition at AWHS! The Art Department and Student Council are partnering to start a new tradition of Legacy Shirts! Seniors, consider donating any of your AWHS shirts and they will be passed on to future Freshman orientation. Think of it as getting a vintage AW item on your first day as a Freshman, then paying it forward to a new group when you graduate! Drop off in the box next to the main office.
– edited to generic school message from a message from our school principal.
SENIOR T SHIRT PASS DOWN!
How does it help?
- Budgets: Many families aren’t able to buy all the newly designed school shirts, and even struggle with basic clothing for their family. For those who are simply on a budget, like my family, they will really appreciate the gift of a school t-shirt!
- Less waste. Seniors will keep a shirt or two that they love, but likely have a PILE of tees and other spirit wear they will never use again. These often end up donated or passed on (best case scenario), but also often in the trash. This also means fewer UNNECESSARY shirts being created!
- Fun memories. At the end of the day, incoming Freshmen will really enjoy receiving a throwback shirt from outgoing Seniors.
- Great opportunities for growing a spirit wear swap program at your school. I would HIGHLY recommend doing this and talking with the environment club and Home Economics or Sewing Club to make any needed repairs.
So, how do you actually collect and distribute the shirts? here are my recommendations:
1. Decide if you want students to leave a note with their tees. Keep in mind if you do this: IF ANYTHING NEEDS TO BE WASHED PRIOR TO DISTRIBUTION – this is going to get complicated. You can even have students sign there name to the tee shirts with a pen from Tee Juice.
2. Set a collection plan and notify seniors AND THEIR PARENTS about the tee shirt drive. Tell them where and when to bring their shirts along with any other instructions. I would suggest a large bin or collection box near the main office, but a simple box you have on hand will do just fine.
3. I would recommend giving ALL shirts a wash in clean, unscented detergent prior to distribution. Just a thought. One person’s favorite laundry scent/booster can permeate an entire batch and spell disaster.
4. Sort clean shirts into sizes as if they were brand new and distribute at Freshman Orientation events. Depending on the size of your incoming class and how many shirts you have available, it might be fun to set up a ‘store’ where students can choose their own shirt.
Here’s the note we got from our principal…
We are starting a new tradition at Any Where High School! The Art Department and Student Council are partnering to start a new tradition of Legacy Shirts! Seniors, consider donating any of your AWHS shirts and they will be passed on to future students at Freshman orientation. Think of it as getting a vintage AW item on your first day as a student, then paying it forward to a new group when you graduate! Drop off in the box next to the main office.
I hope you found this post inspiring, and even if you don’t start THIS tradition, maybe it will inspire a new idea or tradition for you! Finding new ways to use things and share them with other is ALWAYS a great idea.
Please let me know how you have used your old High School or College tee shirts in the past, and be sure to subscribe for more sustainable living and fashion ideas coming soon!
