Want to give or get something for free? check out freecycle.

[coriolis]

Freecycle is a non-profit organization that allows members to post free ads for items to give away or free ads for items they are seeking. It's kind of like craiglist, but simpler and more friendly. You get the feeling that there's a bunch of old hippies running it. The primary rule is that no money changes hands. One of the principles is that we all have stuff that we don't need or want, and someone else could use it. This org is intended to facilitate the transaction, keep good stuff out of landfills, and possibly help someone in need.

We have acquired an excercise bike, and I have given away several old computers that weren't worth much dollar-wise, but they were valuable to someone who needed one.

When I offered the last computer, I got replies from about 10 people who were interested. I ended up choosing someone who wanted to give it to his elderly mother. It's easier than taking the stuff to goodwill or the salvation army. Communications are by yahoo mail.

People post a lot of clothes and yard sale left overs, but occasionally there will be a used but still working microwave, washing machine, etc.

There's about 2000 members in our local group which is enough for about 50 ads per day.

freecycle is actually a yahoo group, so you have to register an account at yahoo. The only thing that ticked me off is that someone else already got my name Coriolis. I had to register under a different name.

Here's a link to the parent site: http://www.freecycle.org/

Check it out!

[breeze]

Hey - thanks for the link, Ed!

Old hippies? I probably know some of these people...!

[southerngale]

Thanks, Ed. I just joined my local group. I have been donating a lot of things to Goodwill lately. I have some bigger items that are harder to get there and they don't pick up. Maybe someone locally would like them. I had heard about this before, but didn't check it out, and quickly forget about it. Thanks, again.

[O Town]

I have been a member of my local FreeCycle for over a year now.
What a great place to give and get. Off the top of my head...I have gotten a vanity for my daughters room,
a dresser for my other girls room, 2 twin child comforters for my twins, a school desk, box of school supplies, wall art, plant covers, floor lamp, coffee maker, camping gear, a bike, a lots of citrus from people with trees with too much to eat, lemons, grapefruit and oranges. Going to get grapefruit tomorrow. I have given way too much stuff to list but it makes you feel good to give to others who appreciate it and also saves it from the landfill. I heard on the news that Orlando is one of the largest FreeCycle groups out there so it stays pretty busy 10,566 members as of now. If you haven't looked into it, you should its a great place.

FreeCycle ROCKS!!!!!

[Stephanie]

Pretty cool Ed! I just joined a local group here. My membership is pending.

Thanks for sharing.