If you ask almost any local or Milligan upperclassmen about Tree Streets, they will immediately tell you that you have to go. This event is part yard sale, part flea market, part thrifting experience, and it is nothing like anything you’ve experienced before.
Over 15,000 people went through Tree Streets on Sept. 9. Sellers mostly sold used clothes, books and knickknacks.
However, there were a few sellers that stood out from the crowd. One house was selling a wide variety of rocks and stones.
Another house was almost entirely University of Tennessee-themed.
One house even had a water station for dogs brought to the event.
Tree Streets is not just a place to buy old things and revel in the affordability of each item; it’s a place where the community has come together to be charitable.
Each seller donates to the Southside Neighborhood Organization, but some also gave to the Philanthropic Educational Organization and other organizations, such as one that helps women obtain job training and education, as well as multiple loan and scholarship organizations.
This year, individual houses were also raising money for the recent disasters across the country. Some were selling lemonade for Hurricane Harvey, some had a portion of their profits going to Irma relief, and some sold watermelon slices for the wildfires in California.
Not only are you not buying into fast fashion, but you’re also donating to charity. Tree Streets is an overall win: helping others while also helping yourself.