I love NPR. On my way to join Weight Watchers this morning, NPR reminded me that it’s Giving […]
charitable giving
Style is more than the way a woman looks or the clothes she wears. It’s more than the way she carries herself. It’s about who she is. A couple of weeks ago, I got a chance to sit down with Becki Utley, and extraordinary woman. She’s got style.
I found Becki almost by accident. Her Facebook Page popped up by some algorithm in the system. What a great idea, I thought. People post “ISO” (in search of) what they need, and others post what they have to give away.
It all started when Utley needed things to help a friend. She tried Freecycle, but items got snatched up so fast, it seemed pointless to Becki. She decided to take matters into her own hands, so she started a Facebook page. Now she and Renée administer their Page together.
Becki began “rehoming” her baby clothes and furniture when she decided four children were enough for her. That was a little over two years ago; when she still lived in the affordable housing. Now, she and her friend, Renée average 30 to 40 hours a week picking up, sorting, washing, and distributing clothes, furniture, and supplies to those in need. Renée has five children. The women also provide resource referrals for people who need assistance.
They have one rule: Nothing gets re-sold. It’s all free.