Why pay full price when you can swap for free or buy secondhand from neighbors?
That was the sentiment at the Olive Free Library on Saturday, May 2, as dozens of bargain hunters scoured tables of household items on the sunny front lawn and lined up, empty tote bags in hand, waiting for the free clothing swap to begin.
“This feels like the largest turnout we’ve ever seen,” said Sarah Hemingway Lynch, 47, a member of the Onteora School District’s Board of Education, who, with three other local mothers, started the community’s free clothing swap tradition nearly a decade ago, when her child, now in seventh grade, was in kindergarten.
By 10:30 a.m., about 50 people were browsing the free clothing store set up in the library’s basement, a sign of the demand for sustainable, community-driven shopping.
“The swaps sort of saved my life. I had three young kids. They filled so many needs, we decided to keep it going, and the library has been a perfect partner,” Hemingway Lynch said.
What began as a quarterly gathering in Davis Park, at schools and in public spaces, where scheduling, weather and other conditions added an element of chaos, has become one of the library’s most popular events, said Christina Sauer, the Olive Free Library program director.
Each spring and fall, community members are invited to drop off gently used clothing during the week before the Saturday swap, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone can shop for free, with no obligation to donate. The spring event also includes an outdoor yard sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., where 4-by-8-foot spaces can be reserved for $25, or $45 with a table rental.
The event comes amid growing concern over textile waste, as discarded clothing and other textiles continue to fill landfills. Neighborhood clothing swaps offer families one way to take part in a circular economy that reduces waste, saves money and strengthens community ties.
A wide assortment of clothing and accessories for children and adults lined the room’s tables and walls. Attendees said the shared sense of community, kindness and respect made the experience feel sustainable and joyful.
Laura Ferrendino, 44, a mother of three who grew up in Olive and helped found the swaps, said she loves seeing the same families return year after year.
“People look for each other’s things and it’s fun to see the things you donated being worn by someone else. Much better than going into a dumpster bin!” she said. “It’s a sustainable way of providing for the kids and the community.”
Ferrendino and Hemingway Lynch said the events are ideal for children because they can pick out their own clothes without being told no because of price.
Among those queued up early was Aine Masoko, 8, of West Shokan, who was hoping to find a cool pair of jorts.
“I found a great pair,” she said. “And we had so much fun.”
Organizers said the swap is also a way for adults to refresh their wardrobes, often with friends who come looking for treasures together.
Outside at the yard sale, neighbors sold antiques, tools, art, kitchen items and bric-a-brac.
“I love a good garage sale,” said Anna Serota, a West Shokan resident since 2020. “No one would ever find my house so this is a perfect opportunity. Sales have been good!”
Julia Milla, 20, of Shokan, and Kelly Wein, 20, of Olivebridge, said one of the best parts of these events was seeing familiar faces. They went to Onteora High School together and said the swap events have become a place where they reconnect each year.
“I love seeing people I wouldn’t keep in touch with otherwise and finding beautiful pieces that people have definitely cared for. Last year I found my favorite dress,” Milla said.
Milla insisted on paying $2 for a broken wooden chessboard that was being given away for free.
“I’m going to sand and stain it, redo the hinges, and then hot glue some of the pieces to make it into a jewelry holder,” she said.
People walked away with full bags, but at noon, the swap tables remained full.
Hemingway Lynch and her husband always bring what remains to nearby community centers and thrift shops.
“It’s a whole weekend commitment and we love it,” she said.
Chana Widawski is a contributing reporter. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.