Baby and Kids Goods Exchange

I love the Free Baby/Kids Goods Exchange, one of our compassion teams. We opened the doors to our space at Broad and Dauphin this weekend, and welcomed our neighbors to share and receive clothes, toys, and books for babies and kids. It was a joy to see so many participants and volunteers. We felt God's presence there!

-Steve Hess

Breaking Records in South Philly!

On Saturday, August 17th, 200+ parents, children, and volunteers gathered at Circle of Hope's Broad and Washington space for another FREE Baby (+ kid) Goods eXchange—the largest group ever for that location! Participants shared bags and bins full of clothing, toys, and books to share with other parents. Many brought bags of grocery bags to share as well. For over nine years, Circle of Hope and Circle Thrift have partnered to host regular opportunities for parents to pass along what their children no longer need, and pick up what they can use for the next season. Now offered on a monthly basis at various locations, all FREE Baby (+ kid) Goods eXchange events are organized and staffed completely by Compassion Team volunteers. During Saturday's exchange, many expectant and new parents were able to benefit from shared resources and make new connections.

To receive invitations for future events, like the facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/freeBGX.

Baby (&Kids) Goods Exchange

It was 100 degrees outside one week ago...but that didn't stop over 40 adults and children from walking in the doors of our Marlton & Crescent space to drop off their gently used baby and kids goods and pick up what they needed for the summer and fall seasons!

On July 20, our team of 8 Circle of Hope volunteers set up tables and displays, greeted folks, passed out bags, baked delicious cookies, and carried items out to the cars of the friends that showed up to take part in this event - the Free Baby & Kids Goods Exchange.

Tracy, a new grandmother from Cherry Hill stopped by. She couldn't believe that everything was free! It was perfect timing for her as her daughter was lacking the funds to purchase new items for her infant son. Tanya from Camden was able to find clothing for both of her daughters, as well as some new toys and baby gear for her sister and nephews. No one left empty-handed, and everyone asked when the next exchange would happen.

Overall, the exchange helped us to meet neighbors, add new contacts to our ever-growing e-mail list, sow generosity and provide for the needs of others. We are looking forward to the next season to continue the giving!


Reporting: Kim Hewlett

Fun with Redistribution

One of our Compassion Teams, the Free Baby (and kids) Goods eXchange or "BGX" Team held another profound time for redistribution last Saturday at Frankford & Norris.  Each month at one of our sites we begin with a base of Circle Thrift-donated items for youngsters.  Team members set the space with snacks and organize according to age and size.  Well over 100 people came through this time to bring stuff, take stuff, and make some friends.

Different kinds of people come together on these occasions and this time we had regular Circle Thrift customers, recent political refugees, people getting out of homelessness, Spanish-only speakers, people who showed up just to drive people home, expecting moms in crisis, neighbors, people looking for cute things for their infants, moms, dads, caregivers, and dozens of folks referred by our allied agencies.  To witness or be part of these events is joyful and rewarding.  We are grateful for all the donations - if you want to keep making these possible, you can make a donation to either Circle Thrift location.