STOWE - Shoppers are allowed 30 minutes.

That's it. They can choose from an assortment of clothes, furniture, tools, hardware and books - all free for the taking. Any items not claimed in three days are discarded into a landfill or donated to a nonprofit organization.

And there have been fights. Real, honest to goodness scuffles.

The re-use store at the Lamoille County Solid Waste facility in Stowe takes in a large number of used items each week, and at least two-thirds of it is reclaimed.

"It's pretty popular," said Michael Morrow, district manager for the transit station. "We probably take in about three tons of clothing per week."

There are three different arenas in which the re-use items are displayed once they've been salvaged: in a tent, a re-use room and a trailer. Traffic at the full-service station, where residents can bring trash, recycle and pay to dispose of large appliances and furniture, is constant.

"Some people come every day to see what's new," said Morrow, noting that at least a half-dozen people are in the re-use store at a time. "We see all kinds of faces, not just poor people. We see middle class ... a lot of people call it the 'Bloomingdale's of Stowe.'"

Not only do people "shop" for items to keep, but many visitors pick up things for their own yard sales, according to Morrow.

"We've had whole suites of furniture and some of it never hit the ground," he said. "We've actually had fights break out. It's the most contentious part of our operation."

Employees of the Stowe "dump," as it is more commonly known, have an eye for what will be taken away and what should be trashed.

"It's a judgment call, they've built up experience over time about what will go and what won't," said Morrow.

When asked why these quality items are not brought to local charity organizations, Morrow suggests convenience likely plays a role.

People looking to dispose of trash and recycling also drop off objects fit for re-use and a different form of recycling. If employees of the transfer center are unsure about the items being offered, the dumper is required to pay a disposal fee.

The Lamoille County Solid Waste facility is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and closed on Tuesday.

A number of transfer stations around the state have containers or buildings that house items for re-use. Unlike other states, Vermont does not require a permit for such a set-up, which makes it difficult to track how many really exist.

(Call your local or area transfer stations to find out if there are items available for the taking.)



Meanwhile, donating used items to area Salvation Army stores serves another purpose in giving back to the community. Eighty cents of every dollar spent in the thrift stores goes back to the community and area assistance programs.

More people are looking for more help to pay for rent, heat and electric bills, said Chris West, the district manager of four locations in Central Vermont and West Lebanon, N.H.

"What we're seeing already is people are paying their heat and not paying their rent," he said. "Everything is going up from food, to heat and everything, but the income is not going up."

There are two Salvation Army stores in Barre, on each end of Main Street, where at least 40 tons of items such as clothing, shoes and books, are recycled a week. Everything that comes to the stores is used, whether it makes it to the shelves or display floor, or is sent overseas to people in poverty West said.

But the stores are struggling to bring in the extra income needed to match demand for the organization's assistance programs.

"We're getting about the same (number of) customers, but they're not buying as much when they're in there," said West of the shoppers. "Our main income to help out comes from our thrift stores. ... Hopefully our sales (will) go up and we can give more money."

To contact the Salvation Army in Barre, call 479-3458 or 476-6745.



Last spring, Joanne Dillon was in charge of starting a community time bank - similar to a barter system - in Montpelier and its surrounding communities. Onion River Exchange was launched in April and has blossomed to more than 200 members.

"We've grown a lot in Montpelier, (the city) still has about 50 percent of the membership," said Dillon, noting a large number of businesses are members. "It's very nice that it's centered in Montpelier because of the demographics and it being a hub, but it doesn't have to be that way at all."

Dillon was involved in a similar project in Burlington before coming to the Capital City to create another time bank. Other communities are now soliciting her help in starting a community exchange system. One hesitation people have in becoming a member is feeling as though they lack a skill to offer. The exchange is constantly fighting against the idea of a marketable skill. The time bank simply asks people to offer what they are able in order to earn time credits to receive a skill that they may need and can not afford.

One person was looking for someone to show them how to use a new digital camera and another offered to drive people to airport. One family with a brick oven and open acreage is offering their property for parties, while someone else may be able to teach knitting or sewing, Dillon said.

"Things have gotten more outrageous," she said, about what people offer and what services they may be searching for. "People become members without knowing their skills all the time, that's one of the most interesting things."

Annual membership for a single person is $25 and $40 for a household, but that fee can be waived in exchange for time.

To find out more about Onion River Exchange go to onionriverexchange.org or call 223-9506. To find out more about time banks go to timebanks.org.



When Ingrid Lukas-Howe started Women and Children First in downtown Barre earlier this year, her mission was to provide a place for women to come with their children and feel supported. The used-clothing store is also a place where those struggling to pay living costs can find quality clothes without spending a high price. Lukas-Howe has also established relationships with the Department of Labor, social services and the local battered women's shelter. The organizations will provide people in need with vouchers to shop at the store.

Not only can shoppers find women and children's clothes but shoes, toys, books and accessories like lamps and clothes racks. Lukas-Howe has over 1,200 consignees that bring her items for re-sale and earn credit towards future purchases.

The store has continued to grow and now has four full-time employees, but there hasn't been enough money to change the sign out front - Cheap Kids II. Lukas-Howe often has discounts for specific professions or age groups. Throughout August, teachers can get a 50 percent discount on items they purchase at the store.

Located at 185 N. Main Street, Women and Children First is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. To find out more about the store and its offerings call 476-4413 or write to ilukashowe@gmail.com.

In addition, area churches also have regular tag sales and offer financial assistance to families and people in need.