A group of West Virginia University students will raiseA-WEAR-nessof apparel recycling and support a charitable organization at the same time.

Professor Tracy Gainer Vashs Textiles, Apparel and Merchandising 230 class will be collecting worn, usable and unusable garments, and textile products during the month of November.

Apparel that is wearable will be recovered and distributed to help individuals who are homeless,Vash stated.Goods that are torn or too worn will be baled at the Clarksburg Mission and sent for recycling. Each truckload of recycled goods will generate cash for the mission.

Students in the Textiles, Apparel and Merchandising program focus on apparel from concept to consumer, but this is an opportunity to examine and alter the impact of the post-consumer process,said Vash, a visiting assistant professor in the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences in WVU s Davis College.

According to the EPA , in 2003, 10.6 million tons of textile waste was generated. This is double the amount produced in 1990,Vash added.Apparel recycling will not only reduce textiles in the waste stream but will also raise funds for homeless individuals.

Goods accepted for donation include clothing, shoes, purses, belts, bed linens, towels, stuffed animals and fabric scraps. The textile material can be broken down into component parts and rewoven into new products.

The classs efforts will begin with an information booth at the WVU Mountainlair to raise awareness, with students staffing the booth from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, and Thursday, Oct. 26.

Drop-off boxes will be placed at WVU residence halls, sorority, and fraternity houses and checked daily. The students will also staff a drop-off box outside of Hatfields at the Mountainlair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15, and 29.

For additional information on the project, contact Vash, 304-293-3535 or Tracy.Vash@mail.wvu.edu .