It’s spring, and the volunteer-run Swap Shop is again open at the City’s Resource Recovery Center on Rumford Avenue. It’s open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 7:30AM-1:30PM, weather permitting, until October.
Starting this week, the Swap Shop will become a bit more weather-resistant, as the City is installing a 30 ft. by 50 ft. tent over its outdoor tables. Also new this year: solar-powered lighting for the Swap Shop’s indoor (container) operations.
Miles Smith leads a group of about 25 regular Swap Shop volunteers. Together they manage the flow of visitors (maximum of 30 minutes per visit, 1 visit per day), review and accept donations, sort and arrange items, provide assistance, and manage the distribution of some items to organizations such as Welcome Home, Helpsy, Angel Memorial, All Newton Music School, Newton Garden Club, etc.
The most popular items are toys, games, sports equipment, and gardening tools. Sometimes grandparents will pick up games for temporary use by visiting grandchildren.
Donated goods should be in good, clean, and usable condition — “Good enough for you to want to take home, if it’s something you wanted.”
The Swap Shop is open to Newton residents only, and proof of residency is required upon request. All donations must be approved by a volunteer before being dropped off. (Go here, for a list of acceptable items, unacceptable items, and alternative options for donating or disposing of various types of items.)
The Swap Shop started as a single-day event about 15 years ago and for the last six years has been open multiple days each week during the April-October season. To join the volunteer Swap Shop staff, email recycling@newtonma.gov.
