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WRENSHALL — Looking for some new threads? Instead of ordering another piece of fast fashion, students at Wrenshall Public ÍáÍáÂþ»­s might consider taking a trip to the new Wrens Wardrobe, a free thrift store housed on campus and run by student council and National Honor Society members.

"I think it's really nice," said student council secretary Natalya Kacer. "They have and, for example, they had like a fancy party there, and I didn't have anything nice to wear, so I was able to get a dress from theirs, which was so nice. I'm glad other people can experience that, too."

Wrens Wardrobe is celebrating its grand opening for the year next week by holding open hours from 4-8 p.m. on Dec. 18 and Dec. 21 in room 142 at Wrenshall High ÍáÍáÂþ»­. Wrens Wardrobe coordinator Kaylee Krogstad said the idea is to be open during times when students, family members and the general community are free to come in and look at items.

"We'll have basketball games going on during that time, so it's a good chance for community members to come by and see what we've got going on," Krogstad said.

Krogstad said the thrift store idea came from talks with the student council after she and the students heard about other local schools with similar free thrift stores for students, such as Proctor and Cloquet.

"We've always had teachers and office staff who have been passionate about having clothes available for students who needed it, but it's a lot of work to manage it all," Krogstad said. "And it takes up a lot of space in their offices, and it puts it on the student to approach and ask, rather than just being able to go look, no judgment."

The store opened in a small room near the pool last April, but Krogstad quickly found that it was not enough space and spent part of the summer and early fall moving the items to its current location to allow for easier perusal and access.

"And it's near the gym, so it's easy to find, unlike before when we were downstairs tucked away," Krogstad said. "We don't have regular hours set quite yet, but after next week's opening, we plan to have times set when students can come in regularly."

Already, students have found items to add to their wardrobes. NHS volunteer Owen Resberg said he found a sweater that he's started wearing.

"It's really nice, and it's become my favorite because it's just perfect thickness," Resberg said.

Krogstad said members have tried to brand the store as more of a clothing swap, a place where they can bring good clothes they don't wear anymore and pick up some pieces as well.

"We don't want it to be a judgmental place. It's a place where everyone is welcome," Krogstad said. "It's open to Carlton students as well — anyone who wants to come and take a look."

Next week's grand opening is mostly focused on formal wear, thanks to donations of formal and semi-formal dresses. Wrenshall has both homecoming and prom coming up in the spring, and Krogstad said it's a good opportunity for students to find something to wear without breaking the bank.

"We've got everything from some old bridesmaid dresses that are still nice to some very recent pieces from really fancy places like Silver Rose in Cloquet that just got dropped off," Krogstad said.

The one area where donations are lacking a bit is in menswear, according to Krogstad.

"We're pretty much set for women's clothing, but there's not as much for the dudes," Krogstad said.