Ever wish you could find a great home for all of the clothes and toys your children are constantly outgrowing? There is a way and it is a ton of fun. By organizing children’s clothing and toy exchange, great fashions and toys become available to a large group of people and it’s all free. It is easy, but somewhat labor intensive. Enlist the help of friends and neighbors and start an exchange.
Step One: Calendar the Event
The first thing you need to do is decide when your exchange will occur. Give yourself plenty of time to find a place to host the exchange, to get the word out, and to gather items. Decide how long the event will run. Do you want to have one in the spring and one in the fall? Do you want it to be a one day event or will it run for a week or two?
Step Two: Find a Spot
Once you know when your exchange will happen, explore various venues. Will the weather be rain free and warm? A park might be the perfect spot for your event. Often local libraries and recreation departments offer free space to nonprofit groups staging events like a clothing exchange.
Step Three: Get the Word Out
This really is the most important part of the preparations. The more people you have participating, the more your exchange will have to offer. Make creative, eye catching flyers and post them everywhere—libraries, schools, restaurants, churches, neighborhoods, and work places; anywhere families congregate.
Step Four: Determine the Currency
How will you regulate the shoppers? Most exchanges offer some sort of “currency” based on the donations they bring. Attendees then shop for items using the credits they have been issued.
It’s as easy as that. Keep a journal of your first attempt and continue to refine your event. Your exchange will quickly become a much anticipated tradition.