Chinook residents giving stuff away

If garage sales are not effective enough at clearing out old junk, Karen Bradway and others at the Presbyterian Church in Chinook have an alternative, Give Your Stuff Away Day.

This Saturday, from 8 a. m. to 6 p. m., people in Chinook are encouraged to put their unwanted possessions on the curb, or take them to the Presbyterian Church parking lot at 437 Indiana St., for anyone to come and claim.

"Maybe you bought your kid a bike, then they outgrew it and got a new one. Now it's just collecting dust in a garage. Someone else could use that. Put it out on the curb, " Bradway said. "It's kind of a recycling project and a get-to-know-your-neighbors day. "

This is the third year they have done this event.

According to Bradway, one of her friends in the church read an article about a man called Mike Morone who started the idea in North Chili, N.Y.

After having personal success in dumpster diving, Morone started Curb Day to encourage people to exchange the useful, but unused, items that fill most people's homes.

On the website giveyourstuffaway.com, potential participants are encouraged to take part for all of the good it will do.

"This event, called Give Your Stuff Away Day, could help millions, while shrinking landfills, reducing clutter, saving municipalities money, and boosting the economy a bit, " the website says.

The site, and Bradway, clarify that people should only donate useful and safe items: no chemicals, weapons, garbage or drugs.

The Sweet Medical Center, just reopening after a spring full of renovation, will be giving away some of its old furniture and other things it can't use in the new facility.

Last year, in Chinook, about a dozen families joined in, but Bradway hopes it will grow.

"It's not a huge thing, but it's something we hope will grow until a lot more people are giving their stuff away. "