Jaynie Mello was among the moms taking part in the Central Coast Kids & Family Clothing Swap in Oceano. She said that as the economy changes, free swaps like these are becoming more important to the community.
Things are so expensive, even when you’re looking for clearance items and kind of like now that school’s back,” Mello said. “My kids have started TK this year. So just knowing that there are options to be able to find used items that aren’t super expensive and just knowing that they’re going to like damage them anyways.
Bree-Ann Ranlett is one of the many moms who started this group three years ago. She said since it started, each swap has been larger than the last.
Ranlett said the group started in part to build a community that supports one another.
We’re all connected,” Ranlett said. “We’re all giving something. We’re all getting something and we can’t do it without everybody.
Everything at the event is free. Parents are encouraged to bring old items in exchange for new ones to help other local families. Clothes, school supplies, toys, books, and shoes were ready for pickup at the event.
Anything that wasnt picked up went straight to a local charity for donation.
Amethyst Ehrler was participating in the event.
The more people that we can help, the better our carbon footprint is, and the less that clothes end up in landfills and not used as textiles,” Ehrler said.
Ranlett said they hold about three swaps a year. Each is close to a time when parents might need to spend more money, such as winter holidays, summertime, and the first day of school.
I think because we need it,” Ranlett said. “You know, everyone, our prices for everything are going up, our living expenses, and if you can save money somewhere and help other people, that’s great. We have some people that just drop stuff off because they’re done with it. We have other people that don’t have things to give, but they come and they’re able to grab a few things, so it’s perfect.
Mello said the swaps have an extra benefit of teaching her kids an important life lesson.
It’s about reusing and just knowing, it’s not all about like brand new items,” Mello said. “Just because you’ve outgrown something doesn’t necessarily mean that it needs to get thrown away. It can go to somebody else for good use.
To participate in the next swap, you can visit their website or Facebook group for information.