St. Croix Freecycle

Thanks for making the group. I hope it is successful!

It sounds like a nice idea, but the local humane society has a flea market that takes all of your stuff for free and gives you a tax write off. Plus they sell your stuff to help raise money for the animal shelter. The shelter really needs all the help it can get.

I am a big fan of freecycle. Stateside I shared many things which we no longer needed and received many things which were helpful.

Betty, would you think of taking empty boxes or bubble wrap to the flea market? Would you think of taking used batteries there? If you cleaned out your cupboards, pantry or medicine cabinet and found used lotions, spices, or mixes that you don't want, would you take them to the flea market?

These kind of things are what people give away. Things that would otherwise go into a landfill.

I guess I don't understand the concept. If you wouldn't take such items - half bottles of lotion, spices, etc - to the Humane Society, why would ANYONE want such things?

I am a new member and think it's great. I just gave some things away.It was quick and easy. Not everyone can get to the flea market on the days/times it's open or want to sort through all the stuff. This is alot more convenient for some, (although I have given the flea market quite a bit over the last 5 yrs and will continue to support them).

I gave away about $400 worth of lightly used children's clothing. If I took it to the flea market , the person I gave them to would have to dig through the children's rack, assuming she could, because she works M-F. And it would already have been picked over by the staff and others. This way, she takes them home, tries them on and what doesn't fit, she can take where ever she wants. It's really nice for people who work. I personally would not give away used meds, lotions, etc.
This is a nice way to make new friends and help people new to the island. I applied for a new group here about ten days ago, and found out this one was just started in March.
If someone has used appliances (say they got new ones) instead of dropping them off at the East End mall to be taken to the landfill, someone can pick them up and take them home.

I am excited about this. What a great thing for the island. I will definitely participate.

You dont have to go M-F to drop things off at the humane flea market. I often drop things off after they are closed, you just put it in front of their door. Boxes and bubble wrap would definitely be appreciated there as would used working appliances. So would other charities on island. Used mediciene,lotion, batteries, they would not, but there is recycling on stx. I like linda have a hard time imagine people wanting that, but are you reaching out to the truely poor? I could see this being possibly wanted. Otherwise I can't imagine anyone wanting those things. I'm sorry I'm really not trying to bash this service, I just don't get it. I understand giving to charity but not swaping used items with my neighbors. But to each their own.

i have a used and old 25foot by 6 foot very beautiful wool rug from one of the old hotels in minneapolis that i want gone, and the only reason is because of the dogs, it needs to be shampooed and one corner needs to be resewn but it's a huge wool runner/rug the only room in my house that is big enough is my livingroom but i just want the thing gone and it's HEAVY

If you don't find a taker for your rug, please consider posting it on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianstedFreecycle/. The group is still new but growing daily.

I guess I think we have plenty of people in different walks of life who can benefit from flea markets, etc. or freecycle. I can't imagine taking my half empty (should that be half full?) bottles of anything to any charity. I might offer them to friends. My used clothes and such I believe should go to the women's coalition or the animal shelter flea market. As for furniture, I have seen people volunteer at a particular charity, who buy all the good stuff and then resell it at their own used furniture store. Has appalled me for years! So, for that kind of stuff, I think freecycle is as good as any.

We've got the Cotton Valley Mall (the dumpster). ANYTHING gets taken from there if it has the least value.