UW-River Falls students to host fifth annual Gift and Thrift
Students seek gently used clothing and silent auction donations
Nov. 24, 2025 – University of Wisconsin-River Falls marketing communications students will present the fifth annual Gift and Thrift on behalf of nonprofit Have a Heart Inc. Tuesday, Dec. 9. The event will run from 3-7 p.m. in the Falcon’s Nest in the University Center, 501 Wild Rose Ave., River Falls.
Students have planned an event on behalf of a charity for 15 years. Since 2011, the student-managed events have generated nearly $75,000 in cash and merchandise for several local charities.
2025 marks the Gift and Thrift’s fifth anniversary. Since 2021, students in a UWRF marketing communications class have hosted the event annually, offering donated clothing and specialty items to be resold or auctioned off to the public. The event has become an opportunity for students to gain experience in event planning, while supporting a charity of their choice.
Natasha Swatzina, a junior marketing communications and international studies major from Prescott, is involved in planning and logistics for the upcoming event and spoke to the level of detail involved in the preparations.
“It’s such a great opportunity to create a fun event for students and community members, as well as support a non-profit,” Swatzina said. “Getting the chance to use the skills we learned in our marketing and communication classes is amazing as well. I'm super excited!”
In addition to thrifting and the silent auction, the event will also feature free popcorn, a chance to meet and take a picture with Santa and a special performance by the UWRF Marching Falcons.
Parking will be available in PAY 1 and PAY 2 parking lots on campus.
The event is sponsored by Brian Sorgatz Construction LLC, Milwaukee Burger, Social Indoor, True Service Plumbing and First National Bank.
For more information or to donate gently used clothing and auction items, please contact William Epler at william.epler@my.uwrf.edu. Follow UWRF Gift and Thrift on Facebook.
Photo: Shoppers browse through the racks at the 2024 Gift and Thrift event at UW-River Falls. This year’s sale is scheduled for Dec. 9 at the Falcon’s Nest in the University Center, 501 Wild Rose Ave., River Falls.