Village West Pilates, a downtown Westminster studio, will hold a community closet sale Saturday, Oct. 10, to raise money for free Pilates classes designed for people who have experienced trauma. The studio plans to launch the classes in Carroll County in early 2027.
The sale runs from noon to 4 p.m. at the studio, 18 W. Main St., during the Downtown Westminster Oyster Stroll, the annual festival that raises awareness of Chesapeake Bay oyster farming. Shopping at the sale is free, and the studio says no Oyster Stroll ticket is required.
The studio is collecting gently used activewear, clothing, accessories and wellness items through Thursday, Oct. 8. Drop-offs are at the studio. Anyone who donates can shop the sale starting at 11:30 a.m.
Trauma-informed Pilates is a teaching approach that assumes any student may be carrying difficult experiences. Instructors offer choices instead of commands, keep classes predictable and ask permission before any hands-on guidance, according to the studio.
Founder Alex Chambers said the classes must be taught by instructors with specialized training beyond a standard Pilates certification. "This isn't something any instructor can step in and teach," Chambers said. Sale proceeds will pay those instructors to teach the classes at no cost to participants. Class dates and registration will be announced closer to launch.
Items that don't sell will go to Springboard Community Services, which works with survivors of domestic abuse.
To donate or ask questions, email [email protected] or text 443-702-5786.