Free sharing event set for this Saturday

BROOKINGS — With growing community interest, Brookings is preparing for its first-ever FREE Share & Care Day on Saturday, April 25 from 8 a.m. to Noon. A rain date is scheduled for Saturday, May 2.

The city-wide event invites residents to host individual “Share Spots,” where usable household items are offered completely free to anyone who can use them. Share Spots will be located throughout Brookings, creating a unique, community-wide treasure hunt of free finds.

“This event is really about neighbors helping neighbors in a simple way,” said organizer Trish Matson Buus. “We already have two dozen Share Spots registered across Brookings, and it’s exciting to see momentum building.”

With Earth Day on April 22 as inspiration, Share & Care Day encourages residents to reduce waste, reuse items, and connect with others in the community.
Residents can participate in two ways:

• Host a Share Spot by setting up a small free ‘rummage’ in their yard, driveway, or garage • Explore Share Spots around town and take home items they can use — all completely free

Items may include everything under the sun, from clothing, books, toys, kitchen items, and tools, to garden plants, furniture, and even handmade goods. Matson Buus emphasizes that participation can be simple; even a single table of items is enough. She encourages hosts to be present at their Share Spots — “The intent is not to set out unattended items at the curbside; it’s to connect with fellow community members, too.”

The event is designed to be structured and respectful of neighborhoods. Share Spots will operate only during designated hours, and hosts are responsible for removing any remaining items afterward.

There is still time for additional households to join as registered Share Spots. Matson Buus’ goal was at least 25-30 Share Spots for the inaugural year, so she feels good heading into the final week of preparation. “Now I need to make sure to get items gathered up and ready for my own Share Spot,” she added.

“Fingers crossed for good weather!”
To register a Share Spot or view the event map, visit the Brookings FREE Share & Care Day Facebook page. A direct link to the map is also available at https://tinyurl.com/bdtxxpzv. For more information or questions, text or call Trish Matson Buus at (605) 351-5885.
— From staff reports