SoapZone Community Message Board

The Kiwanis set up a bunch of tables, under a tent, in a local park and folks are welcome to bring ("leave") items they no longer want and take what they would like. I freakin' love this event! While it's true that some people leave items that are broken or rusty or filthy, most bring in stuff that's still in good condition. The organizers try to keep themed items together; there's usually a table of books/CDs/DVDs/VHS tapes, a table of toys, a table of housewares, a table for small appliances, a table for home decor, a table for seasonal/arts and crafts, a table for tools and a table for sporting equipment/pet supplies. In addition, there's designated areas for unwanted furniture, bikes, etc.--anything too big to leave on a table.

I had good intentions this morning when I dropped off two boxes and a bag full of items, vowing to leave with empty hands. And I was thrilled when I set down a (practically brand new) Easter wreath that I don't remember buying, let alone putting up, and before I'd moved on to the next table, a woman snatched it up. My plan was to take NOTHING and maybe go back at the end of tomorrow to pick through the remnants (you're only allowed to leave items on Saturday). But then I started browsing through the books and found three I wanted to read. And then I found some yarn for good church friend who does a little knitting. And then I picked up some Christmas ribbons for my bff who likes making elaborate bows to put atop packages. And then I grabbed a cute votive candle holder with a piggy head for good church friend who collects all things pig. And then I found a small ceramic pumpkin that says "blessed" that will go nicely with all the decorative pumpkins I put out for Halloween/Thanksgiving (I have my own pumpkin patch <g>). And then I found an intact Scrabble game and since the extended family loves Scrabble, I grabbed it...but I might just use the tiles for a craft project. And then I spied a pretty little light up (and musical!) Christmas tree that would go great with my Christmas decorations. And then I picked up a small but really beautiful beer stein...I don't drink but honestly, this one's a work of art and looks like it might've come from Germany, and I might send it on to my BIL, whose ancestry is German and DOES drink beer...

And then I left 😁

I'm still considering stopping in tomorrow around maybe 4:00 or so. While I was there today, people were still pouring in, dropping off boxes of stuff. My one neighbor from down the street was there when I was; we kept bumping into each other as we circled the tables and he kept pointing out things he'd picked up that weren't there on the previous pass through the tables.