COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Tables covered with clothing, household goods, books and other donated items quickly began to empty Sept. 19 during FreeCycle, a Williams Community Center event where everything was available at no cost.
The community exchange was established about five years ago by the late Sajit Singh, his wife Colleen, the late Ron Simmons and Melissa Baikie-Rick. The idea was simple: give residents a place to pass along usable belongings while allowing others to take whatever they need.
Organizers said every table was completely covered that morning, but more than half of the items were gone within about 20 minutes.
“It’s such a heartwarming thing to do,” Grace Wayman said. “I can’t even describe the joy you feel when these people who are struggling come in here and find what they need.”
For organizers, some of the best moments come when children arrive with their own bags and are allowed to “go shopping.”
Participants were asked to return at noon and collect anything they brought that remains. Many leftover items were offered to Colusa County landscaper Eric Contreras, who arrived with his son Tommy as the event wound down to find new homes for what remained.
Contreras planned to continue sorting the donations, directing clothing to local women’s shelters and finding new recipients for toys and books among students and children.
He said bringing Tommy along was also about teaching his son the importance of supporting the community through giving. Contreras helped him start a free library at their home as another way to share with others.
“Only as a last resort, will I take anything to the dump,” Contreras said.