New sharing event a hit despite rainy weather

The first annual Brookings Free Care & Share Day on April 25 was a success, according to event organizer Trish Matson Buus.

Approximately 30 Brookings residents signed up to be share site hosts, with only a few altering their plans due to rainy weather, Matson Buus said.

“Even though it was rainy and dreary and cold, everybody’s spirits were up,” she said. “It was exactly what I’d hoped, and better.”

Matson Buus said she was pleased to hear about people who came from outside Brookings for the event.

“Some people traveled in for the day just to attend, so the event drew people to Brookings. That helps me feel justified in attempting to pursue small grant funding for next year.”

Funding would be helpful, she explained, for weather-proof yard signs and a modest advertising budget to increase visibility.

Matson Buus plans to hold the event at the same time next year. “The weather won’t always cooperate, but it’s a nice tie-in with Earth Day and before things get busy for people later in the spring. I plan to leave it at the fourth Saturday of April, close to Earth Day.”

For future Care & Share Days, a local space where people could gather and give away items would be ideal, she said.

“We need that shared space, and it wouldn’t be a drop-off location. This event is intended as an individually managed free rummage event,” Matson Buus said.

“I have in mind a shared location where people could come and set up their own table or space and be there for the entire event. This would be for people who don’t have a sheltered location at their own home.”

Matson Buus said she is not aware of any problems with the event such as lack of cleanup.

“I had a lot of positive feedback. It was such a heartwarming event. People were friendly and happy—it was a dignified event for any walk of life. I think it can only grow.”