FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - An online group is taking recycling to a whole new level. Instead of sending unwanted items off to be made into something else, Freecycle group members are giving them to someone else.

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The group’s motto is “One Person's Trash is another Person's Treasure.”

 

On Saturday people with the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg Freecycle chapter, who usually only interact online, had a chance to talk directly to the people their swapping items with.

                   

“They're not giving away trash to people, it's very beneficial” said group member Chrystal Tendell.

 

Tendell, a single mom of four, picked up clothes and shoes for her own kids and for another single parent.

 

“It's great, especially when you don't have. Anything’s better then nothing, you know, it's wonderful and most of the things you get are in great condition” she said.

 

And she’s leaving the same way she showed up, with her arms full.

 

With the Freecycle group, it's not just about getting, it's also about giving.

 

Tendell brought Christmas Ornaments and baby items her son grew out of.

 

“I think one lady was pregnant and took some of the stuff and my friend Ellen, her mother took some Christmas ornaments, they're going to use that for a float they're making” she said.

 

And that's the name of the game, giving away what you would normally throw away.

 

“It saves landfill space which this day and time is really good point and it also helps people” said Michael Elliott, Fayetteville/Fort Bragg Group Leader.

 

Online Freecycle group members can let others know what they have, or what they need.

Then members can check out what's available and contact the person who has it. 

Members can ask specifically for two items a week.

 

“There's a lot of times when I don't have clothes for my kids or just the simplest toy or toilet paper, said Tendell, “You can ask for just about anything, there are lots of helpful people out there.”

 

Organizers say it will also make the holidays a little brighter.

 

“You have a lot of younger military people who can't afford to get stuff for their kids for Christmas. They're not dirt poor but they don't make a lot” said Elliot.

 

 “I've got several things off Freecycle in my closet for Christmas” said Tendell.

 

Elliot and his wife also refurbish computers to give away. Most of those will be under a Christmas tree for a child who organizers say would not have one without the program.