A large group of volunteers met on Sunday, July 17 for a final planning meeting to coordinate the community Freebay event which is scheduled for August 5-6 at the Logandale Fairgrounds Fine Arts Building. The discussion centered on the logistics and number of volunteers needed and on making those who take part in the shopping feel comfortable, said MaryLou Whitney, a member of the LDS Logandale Stake Relief Society President.
In attendance at the meeting were representatives from most of the 13 wards and branches of the LDS Logandale Nevada Stake. In addition, Stake leaders had invited representatives from each of the other churches in the community. In response, representatives from the St. John’s Catholic church also attended the meeting to help with the community service project.
The concept of the Freebay event is simple. Members of the community are encouraged to give lightly used items that they might otherwise sell in yard sales or donate elsewhere. These items will be gathered, sorted and prepared at the Fine Arts Building for the Freebay event. Then on August 5-6, needy community members can come and pick out items that they need.
The idea for the local event began from a word of encouragement given in a recent Women’s Conference from Salt Lake City. A member of the LDS First Presidency encouraged women of the church to participate in a day of service.
The Logandale Stake Relief Society Presidency had become aware of a similar Freebay event that had been organized in the Las Vegas area with great success. Members of the presidency knew people who had benefitted greatly from the event, Whitney said.
“We felt like it would be a wonderful thing to do here where so many people have been affected by the difficult economy,” Whitney said.
What has resulted has become a community-wide effort. By the time all is done, over 126 volunteers over the two day event, will be deployed to gather, sort, display and assist in the distribution of the donated goods; then to clean up afterwards.
“We really wanted it to be like tossing a stone into a pond to just let the ripples go out throughout the whole community,” Whitney said. “We hoped that it would be much more than just an LDS member effort. And we are happy to see that it is. Anyone who wants to volunteer and help out is welcome.”
To reiterate what is needed: clean and usable clothing; working electronics and appliances; household items; garden tools and supplies; furniture (no mattresses or bed pillows).
“We want people to remember that it is not about ‘getting rid of’ it’s about ‘giving’, so we ask that people think of what their goods will mean to a neighbor in need,” Whitney said.
Drop off for donations will take place on Friday, August 5 from 12 – 8 p.m. Whitney encouraged people to bring items to the event in grocery sacks and boxes. These containers could then be saved for use by the shoppers.
All are invited to shop for free on Saturday August 6 from 8 am to 3 pm. “If parents must bring children when they shop, we kindly ask that they please be mindful of them,” Whitney said.
For more information call Mary Lou Whitney at 397-8083.
