Freecycle: This week's random act of kindness

So I'm trying to keep up with my random act of kindness goal that I made at the beginning of the year and so far I think I'm doing OK, but I want to do bigger things.

I mean I've been paying people compliments, sharing treats I normally would hoard, taking photos for friends, spotting people money when they're short... Things like that.

Well, I did something different this week when I experimented with Freecycle. Freecycle is an organization that connects people so they can get rid of stuff they no longer want, and find things they're looking for for free.

I have been getting local Freecycle emails daily for over a year now but I've never done a "transaction" if you will. But since I'm trying to organize things around my house I thought I'd give it a shot and see if anyone had a few things I was looking for:

Mason jars, and empty oatmeal cans (to make hair bow organizers for Lil' J's growing collection).

Well that same day I posted that request I got offers for both. A woman left a box of mason jars on her porch and I picked them up while I was out, and that night we grabbed a lady's oat meal cans that were about to hit the recycling bin.

My husband complained on the way to get the oatmeal cans because he was convinced it would have cost less to just buy oatmeal, and would have wasted less emissions. Whatever dude!

I wanted to pay it forward and give away something I had laying around forever... My dog collar supplies.

Photos by Katie Harris

Before having Lil' J I made my dog all sorts of collars and matching leashes. I was convinced I'd start a business and make tons of money selling themed collars and leashes. Well, that only lasted a hot second. Yea, I sold some sets but I quickly became sidetracked with a new hobby--blogging, and my dog collar webbing and hardware was collecting dust in a pretty little wicker basket that could now be used to hold supplies for my new hobby--sewing.

I was thinking I could donate some of the supplies to Goodwill but I worried no one would find use out of it and it would go to waste. Freecycle was a much better idea--I hoped.

I listed the dog collar supplies and wondered how many days it would take someone to notice it.

Not an hour later I received an email from a woman who works with animal rescue groups and she says they'd love the supplies. How totally awesome is that?!

I was elated that my dormant stash could be put to good use.

She said she'd come and pick it up the next day, so I spent the night organizing the crafts and even threw in some old bandannas I had that don't fit Snoop anymore, along with some cute doggy print and Longhorn ribbon and things.

I'll admit, I did keep a couple of leash snaps and a snippet of webbing so I can make Snoop another nice leash when I'm taking a break from making clothes.
The next day she came by and grabbed it and she seemed very grateful.

So, one (wo)man's seriously lack of commitment/hobby ADD became another person's dog's treasure.

My acts of kindness so far haven't exactly been "random" rather more thought out, but they're helping random people, so I think that counts... Right?

Have you ever tried Freecycle? You should, it rocks!

PS: Yes, my dog was a dog model. I guess all of my children will be models.