Attic Swap

All Things Together in Common

Attic Swap is a ministry effort to reach out to the Christian community around us based on the early church in the book of Acts (chapter 2). We share things we no longer need with others who need them now. The Bible teaches that “You have been freely given, so freely give.” We should be generous in our giving to others in the church and community. When my eyesight diminished so that I could no longer drive, I began this ministry at home and advertised it online. I continued it for several years until the Covid pandemic shut everything down.

I began with 3 large tubs of good secondhand clothing from growing grandkids and family members, along with a tub of household items I no longer needed for those in need. I asked those who took items to pay it forward by donating items they no longer needed. A few followed through with donations that they brought back to me a few days later. I also sought donations from those who could give out of their abundance to supplement what I was given by the recipients. In the several years that I kept this ministry going, I never ran out of things to give and eventually wound up with 12 or more tubs as the ministry grew.

My biggest issues were weather and greedy people. I had no indoor storage space for the tubs which leaked when it rained, soaking the clothes which then had to be laundered again. Once I had a lady come with two very large trash bags and proceeded to take almost all I had to offer. From that experience I learned to set reasonable limits like 2 or 3 Walmart bags or 3 sets of clothing per person. Most people were understanding of the limits I set.

I propose that if a church took on this ministry as an outreach to its community it could be done in a more structured way that would be more beneficial to the community we serve and hopefully add numbers to the church as well. I always tried to have small Bibles or other Christian literature to hand out along with the free clothing. I often asked the recipients how I could pray for them as well to open up conversations. I prayed with many folks right in my front yard.

What would be needed from the church

I propose that we start small by getting donations of good second hand items from church members and their families. It may take some time to collect and sort items by sizes and seasons. Any items that need to be laundered or mended would be set aside until those can be done and then added to the tubs. Volunteers would be needed for this part of the ministry or these items would likely need to be discarded. When we have a number of tubs of donations and sufficient volunteers to service the ministry effort then we can schedule our first event. Any cash donations to this ministry would be used for purchasing plastic tubs with lids and Bibles or Christian literature to hand out.

Church contributions

1 Bibles and Christian literature tracts etc.
2 Large plastic tubs w/ lids
3 Tables and chairs
4 Donations from church members
5 Volunteers to serve in ministry
6 volunteers to launder and mend clothing
7 Storage space for tubs and work space for sorting donations
8 Signs for advertising and social media coverage of events on church website and elsewhere
9 Time- possibly third or fourth Friday or Saturday of the month because the end of the month is when folks are most in need.
10 Fellowship hall on inclement weather days
11 Food pantry could be added at some point if storage space is provided and donations for that purpose are secured
12 Also little things like bottled water, cookies and lemonade, coffee and donuts would be nice on occasion.