It's donation time.

The second annual Head to Toe event begins Friday and continues through June 14.

Gently used items will be accepted by businesses in the New Caledonia building on Fifth Avenue in downtown Olympia. For each accepted item, customers can receive a discount of up to $10 toward a new purchase.

Jeanne Carras, the creative mind behind the Head to Toe event, is excited to see it happening again.

"Last year, we got so much support and donations it was great," Carras said. "I'm glad to see the event back this year."

Items will be donated to the Kathleen's Closet program at the YWCA in Olympia, which serves Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties.

Last year's Head to Toe generated more than 400 pieces of clothing, 150 pairs of shoes and dozens of handbags.

Joan Cathey, executive director of YWCA, said that more than 350 women took advantage of Kathleen's Closet in 2001. The referral-driven program provides interview and business clothes to low-income women seeking or starting employment.

"Some of the women that come into our store have been through hard times," Cathey said. "For many of them, it's the first time they are given brand-new clothes."

Carras -- once in an abusive relationship herself -- knows the importance of supporting the YWCA.

"I was one of the lucky people to get out of that relationship," she said. "I know what they do to help people. ... Any way I can help them is great."

The YWCA will also accept new deodorant and shampoo products for its hygiene and cleaning supplies depot, The Other Bank.

Though the hygiene-product donations won't earn discounts, the products will go to the thousands of area residents who rely on the services each year.

The Other Bank offers everything from feminine hygiene products to shampoo and razors.

More than six stores are involved in the Head to Toe event, triple the amount from last year.

"Everyone in the building wanted to be part of it," Carras said. "It's something that increases our business while also helping to support a great cause."

Stores involved in the Head to Toe event will reserve the right to decline donations that appear more than gently used. Dirty or damaged items won't be accepted.

"We will continue to look forward to this event every year," Cathey said. "It adds so much to our closet. ... It's a win-win situation."

Carras hopes to double the amount of donations from last year.

"It's human nature to help people in need," she said. "In the end, who doesn't want to help someone in need?"

"Some of the women that come into our store have been through hard times. For many of them, it's the first time they are given brand-new clothes."

-- Joan Cathey, executive director of YWCA

At a glance

- What: Bring your gently used clothing items to stores in the New Caledonia building in downtown Olympia and receive discounts. Donors can receive up to $10 off shoes, clothing and handbags in exchange for donated items. Stores reserve the right to refuse items that appear dirty or more than gently used. The YWCA will distribute the used items to people in need. New shampoo and deodorant will also be accepted as nondiscount donations.

- Where: 116 Fifth Ave. E., Olympia.

- When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-June 14.

- Visit the YWCA of Olympia at 220 Union Ave. S.E. in Olympia or visit www.olywa.net/ywcaofolympia/ or call 360-352-0593.

- Information: Call Bonaventure for more information at 360-943-