Have you ever heard of Freecycle?

www.freecycle.org

Did you know there is a community out there giving away FREE things everyday? It's like an online version of the Goodwill. Actually it's across between an online Goodwill and the Free section of Craigs List.

Their motto is, "Changing the world one gift at a time." And here is what they say about what they are,"The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,708 groups with 6,538,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free."

Once you join and are approved you can read the posts and reply if you want something. Everything is sent via email and is private so no other member know who is asking for what or any personal info, that is until you pick up an item (they will give you their address) or you give away an item (you give yours).

Freecycle is a very strict community. Some areas more than others but it's "safe" and can be such a blessing!

When you clean things out or have LARGE items to get rid of, post it! Don't worry about the hassle of trying to take it somewhere. If you offer it, THEY do all the work. You don't have to lift a finger unless you want to.

People post items all the time. And they post ANYTHING you can imagine! I mean everything..including the kitchen sink! In my area RIGHT NOW here's some items being posted:
OFFER Posts:
-CD ROM Drive -16" Tire -Play Mat For Infant - Aloe Vera Plant -Scrap Metal

WANTED Posts:
-Mini Fridge -Skateboard Parts - Composting Bin -DVD Player -Exercise Machine


You name it someone has it or wants it.

I've been a member if Freecycle for 3 years now. When I first started, I was really scared and nervous. Picking up without giving made me feel awkward and selfish not to mention the fact that you're going to random peoples houses, it was scary. I brought a friend with me the first few times. Then I realized DUH! everyone does it! That's the point. Plus you're happy to give or you wouldn't have offered it. And as I mentioned before it's a very strict community. If you don't follow the rules you will be booted off in a heartbeat. There's always risks involved in giving away your address to perfect strangers (remember that show? random) but after 3 years I feel secure and most people you meet are moms and families.

In the time I've been a member SOME of the things I have received (there's too many to list) are pack and plays, bassinet, excersaucer, TONS of clothes, toys, cell phones, kitchen supplies, strollers, a printer, kid couch, mattress, bed, trike, rocker, highchair, formula, slide, TV, baby swings, baby monitors, art supplies, and so much more! In fact, I received so much baby stuff when I was pregnant we pretty much didn't need to buy anything as far as gear went and other large items. That baby stuff was a huge blessing because my husband had gotten laid off right after we had Zorro, and I was laid off right before. Six months later D decided to go back to college after nearly 15 years. Now he is a full time law student and I am a SAHM. We live entirely off of student loans. Freecycle allows us to get things we NEED and things we'd really love to have!

We've given back to the community those items we no longer needed and other items we had that we no longer wanted and things friends want to get rid of we throw into the community as well.

As moms, especially SAHM's who have sacrificed a second income to raise our families and in our current economy things like this make all the difference in the world.

Please join the community, talk about "Paying it Forward!" Everyone wins here, even our environment (landfills). Those silk roses someone just gave away could have been in a landfill, instead, they are going on someone else's table (or whatever).