by Robyn Landes, intern

A collection of vintage silver jewelry. Midcentury glassware and a Kenmore sewing machine, reminiscent of a different era. A life-sized cement statue of a Labrador retriever. Delicate ceramic plates. Each item tells a story. The eclectic mix of stuff weaves together seemingly disparate South Portland community members, who become connected through their everyday items. A resident’s beloved puzzle now lives in a neighbor’s cabinet; the new puzzle keeper banters with a friend, sipping mugs of tea as they attempt to fit the pieces together. 

The South Portland Transfer Station is often brimming with residents borrowing, sharing, and reusing items. There, right next to South Portland’s Electric Tool Library, sits the Swap Shop. On a single Saturday in June, over 190 people visited the Swap Shop throughout the day, stumbling upon unexpected finds, ranging from puzzles and pogo sticks to hanging stained glass lamps, all while chatting with neighbors. People brought boxes overflowing with things they no longer needed, holding hope that a neighbor might find a use for them. The Swap Shop is a home for people’s unwanted stuff, remnants of milestones, and former periods of life. The sheer number of residents flocking through the unassuming white garage doors, which open up to reveal an abundance of miscellaneous yet alluring things, highlights the Swap Shop's unforeseen way of bringing people together. 

Volunteers sustain the program. Elle McCarthy, Swap Shop volunteer, reflected that, “people truly value the Swap Shop and are cognizant that it wouldn’t exist without those who volunteer their time to keep it going.” Volunteers manage the space and embrace a constant flow of visitors, many of whom are regulars. These swapping enthusiasts return week after week to socialize, search for something new, or give away items to grant them a second life. Out of 102 survey respondents who entered the Swap Shop this summer, 34% visit often. Something draws them back.

One visitor remarked, “When my granddaughter was young, we'd go and choose something, keep it for a few weeks, then return it for a new choice.” There is always something new to find. Another frequent visitor applauded the Swap Shop’s commitment to “community, ecology, and treasure-hunting.” Swappers unearth joy in the search for the unexpected, chatting with volunteers, or finding meaning in giving to others in our community. The Swap Shop builds both social and ecological resilience, as it promotes resource sharing and waste reduction, while bringing neighbors together. 

The Swap Shop is a space where climate resilience meets community in a tangible way. Its impact extends beyond diverting items from the landfill to fostering a community exchange of stuff. While people’s primary motivation for visiting is often to donate or look for things, socializing is embedded in the Swap Shop’s ethos.

Now in its 10th year, the Swap Shop continues to function as a vibrant community hub. We are so grateful for our volunteers who make it all possible. 

Do you have a story about an item you donated to the Swap Shop? Or a favorite item that you’ve found? We would love to hear about your experience!  Please share with rlandes@southportland.gov.