If you read part 1 yesterday you may have been skeptical about today’s column. Free gifts? Yes, it is very possible. Freecycleis a group dedicated to reusing and recycling. One person’s trash is quite literally another’s treasure. Jillian and I began using Freecycle about a year and a half ago. For those of you unfamiliar with Freecycle, the group is all about keeping usable stuff out of landfills. “Gifts” are posted as offers and needs or wants are posted as “Wanted” posts.
Some examples of the gifts Jillian and I have received are; a patio set, laminate flooring, books, clothing, baseboards, a refrigerator, dryer, Christmas décor, craft items, fabric, an antique typewriter, a Gingerbread clock, canning jars and much more. We have given a bed, mattress and box spring, desk, shelves, canisters, clothing, shoes, books, lemons, craft items, coats, blankets, and a hermit crab with all the accessories. We also, with another friend, did Christmas last year for a family in need that posted a Wanted message on Freecycle. We provided toys, books, clothing, and even the wrapping paper so a single Mom could create a Christmas for her boys.
We really cannot say enough good things about Freecycle! There have been many times in which a contact on Freecycle has become a friend. Although sometimes items are left for pick up on a porch and a thank you email is sent and that’s the end of it. Everyone wins! The giver gets rid of something they no longer want or need. The receiver gets an item they need or want and no money is ever exchanged.
We have received items on Freecycle that we have given as gifts. It really is like giving a thrifted gift. Dress it up and make it yours. Bake cookies to fill a Freecycled cookie jar. Spray paint Freecycled baskets or other items to spruce them up. Use fabric that you received from Freecycle to make ornaments, quilts, hot pads or clothing. Use your imagination! Lack of funds often breeds invention.
There are some keys to Freecycle. I’ll skip the official Freecycle rules because when you sign up, they send them to you. This is our advice. Say thank you. We leave thank you cards, or at least send an email. Be punctual. If you are going to be late picking up your “gift” call or email if possible. Don’t flake! If something comes up and you are unable to show up let the giver know. Above all, remember this is a gift! Someone is giving you something for free. Act accordingly.
If you receive something that is not what you can use, Freecycle it again. Someone will be able to use that item.
If you want some fruit, or your tree has so much it is dropping all over the ground…Freecycle! We have seen pets on Freecycle, and everything from newspapers to port-a-potties have been listed. We laughed a lot at that one…but someone took it.
Be quick…some items tend to go fast. If you can handle the emails choose the individual email option when you sign up. Check your email often. Be patient! Sometimes you request an item and a couple weeks later someone contacts you and says they have it. Sometimes you respond to an offer and the 3 people ahead of you in line flaked and the giver contacts you.
We have never had a negative experience with Freecycle…not one! We have had so many positive interactions. We absolutely cannot say enough about this wonderful organization. So…need some toys for your kids this holiday, a tree and some decorations, items to give as gifts? Try Freecycle.
Until tomorrow,
Brandy and Jillian
{ 2 comments }
This is wonderful stuff- Thanks for the posts Jillian and Brandy. I definitely have a couple of things that have no use!
Thank you XMiranda! You never know, Your “things with no use” could make someone’s holiday. And it is such a great feeling when you use freecycle. As a giver or receiver you are participating in a recycling movement so much larger than our community…it’s great, and the more people use it, the better it becomes!
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