Consignment shops reach extends to South America

By Erin Greer
DeKalb Neighbor Staff Writer

Bibiana Velarde points to an 80-pound duffle bag.

"I can only carry six at a time," she said. "Since 9/11, airlines will only let you check two bags, so I check two for me, two for my husband and two for my daughter."

But the bags are not for Ms. Velarde and her family.

They are stuffed with clothes donated from Chamblee consignment store, Hanger-ROO.

Once filled, the bags will be flown to South America to clothe the poor.

Hanger-ROO opened two years ago at 5352 Peachtree Road on antique row.

Since that time, owner Monique Lung has filled 26 bags for Ms. Valerde - a donation of more than 2,080 pounds of clothes.

Ms. Valerde is a flight attendant for American Airlines and a member of Airline Ambassadors International, an organization of airline personnel who use their travel benefits to help children and families in need.

"It's a terrible irony," said Ms. Lung. "Many of our clothes come from South America because companies use the cheap labor there, and yet, those people have no clothes for themselves."

Clothes that have small imperfections or are not selling are stacked in the store's back room.

Hanger-ROO also accepts community donations. Once accumulated, the donations are sorted and packed for departure.

Ms. Valerde has made four trips with the Hanger-ROO duffel bags in the last year, and the consignment shop's clothing has reached as far as El Salvador, Haiti, Argentina, Honduras and Peru.

Ms. Lung said Hanger-ROO helps in the community as well as globally.

"It's so rewarding," Ms. Valerde said. "The kids come to you with nothing and leave with their hands full."

The two women will fly together with their daughters, Isabella Velarde and Sophie Lung, both 6, to Nicaragua in July to deliver eight more bags.

This will be Ms. Lung's first time to accompany Ms. Valerde on her trip.

"I can't wait to share this experience with my daughter," said Ms. Lung. "She can share in another culture and learn appreciation for her quality of life."

Residents interested in donating clothes can drop them off at the store between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 5 p.m. Saturdays. All clothes must be in good condition.

Information: (770) 451-8911.