Every soror has a drawer, a bin, or a closet shelf where it all ends up. There's the line jacket that no longer fits, the tee from a conference ten years ago, and the faded letters from your very first Founders Day. You can't bring yourself to toss them, but you aren't wearing them either.

Your paraphernalia carries your story, so it deserves a thoughtful plan. Here are three ways to honor it.

1. Store It Well

If you want to keep your pieces, store them so they last.

• Wash first. Stains and body oils set over time and can yellow fabric.

• Skip the plastic bins and hangers. Choose acid-free tissue and breathable cotton storage bags or boxes. Plastic traps moisture.

• Fold embroidered and appliquéd pieces flat. Hanging can stretch the fabric and distort twill letters.

• Keep them cool and dry. Avoid attics, garages, and basements. A closet shelf or under-bed box is better.

• Add a note. Write the year, the event, and a sentence about why the piece matters. Your future self, or your daughter, will be glad you did.

Sisterly tip: Cedar blocks or lavender sachets keep pieces fresh and protect them from moths.

2. Repurpose It With Care

Repurposing can turn closet clutter into keepsakes. One thing to keep in mind: your letters and crest are official symbols. Display and preserve them as they are. Don't cut through them, recolor them, or add unofficial symbols to them.

• Shadow box. Frame your line jacket patch, pin, or favorite letters with photos and a program from your intake or a special event.

• Memory quilt or throw. Sew together the non-crest portions of tees from different years and events. Each square holds a memory.

• Pillow or tote. Turn a favorite shirt into a pillow cover for your reading chair, or a tote for conference weekends.

• Gift for a daughter, niece, or goddaughter. A well-kept piece with a handwritten note can become a family heirloom.

• Keepsake for a sister's milestone. Give a framed piece to a sister celebrating 25 or 50 years of membership.

• Scrapbook or journal covers. Use scraps of fabric from the shirt to bring texture to your memory books.

Sisterly tip: If you sew, set aside the lettering and embroidery and work only with the plain fabric. If you don't sew, a local tailor or seamstress can help.

3. Donate It Thoughtfully 

Letters and symbols carry meaning, so where they go matters. Giving to a general thrift store means pieces may end up with someone who hasn't earned the right to wear them. Better options keep them with members:

• Collegiate chapters. Many young sorors would love gently used items for chapter evens, step shows or community service days.

• Alumnae chapters. Ask whether your chapter runs a sister-to-sister closet or a clothing exchange.

• Scholarship fundraisers. Donate pieces to a silent auction or raffle that supports a scholarship fund.

• Sisters in need. A soror rebuilding after a move, a loss, or a tough season may welcome a quality piece.

The Bottom Line

Your old paraphernalia doesn't have to sit in a drawer, and it doesn't have to be discarded. Store it with care, turn it into something beautiful, or pass it to a sister who will wear it with pride.

When you're ready to refresh your collection, you can find quality, licensed pieces designed to last at extraordinarysymbols.com.