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The YWCA ballroom hosted a gala celebration July 15 marking the grand reopening of the Y's unique Back to Work Boutique, which offers free clothing to low-income women throughout the community.

Clothes are donated by individuals, businesses and women's groups. A dozen volunteers stock the boutique and help clients choose complete free outfits for job interviews, new jobs or school.

Jo Collinge, vice president of the YWCA of Bellingham, tells me the boutique used to be in a basement locker room for the long-closed YW swimming pool.