1,300 people showed up to this summer’s free-swap at BKLYN Yard. — Image courtesy of Score!

On the eve of Thanksgiving, that most American of holidays, the spirit of commune will find its way to 3rd Ward for a free-swap.  What is a free-swap?  Well start with a flea market — we’ve all been to one — with its endless tables of goods, an assortment of the second-hand, the obscure, the bizarre.  Now throw in a little of the coziness of a garage sale: neighbors chatting in the driveway, perusing an old record collection up for grabs, maybe sipping beer.  Lastly, add some of the generosity of a Toys for Tots program, or a Goodwill.  One man’s discarded coat is another man’s source of warmth for the winter months.  Most have experience with these sorts of goods-dealing, but what of an event that combines all three? 

We should be so lucky: an event called Score! Pop-up Swap will take place November 21, hosted by Bust, Flavorpill, Yelp, and MeanRed Productions. How does it work?
 
"Attendees bring their records, clothes, accessories, housewares, art supplies, books & DVDs to the donation table," said Jenny Gottstein of MeanRed. "Volunteers sort and distribute these items to various Score! departments located throughout the venue: Music, Apparel & Accessories, Art Supplies, Housewares, Books & Media, Random Gems / Miscellany. Once they drop off their donations, attendees can browse each department and take whatever they like. Everything is free."

How much can people take?  Is there a minimum amount you have to bring?  "The sky’s the limit!" Jenny tells me.  Bring lots, take home lots, whatever your arms can carry.   
 
As one might suspect, this sort of thing is beyond popular.  Ms. Gottstein organized a similar free-swap at BKLYN Yard over the summer that drew in 1,300 people, and it seems likely that during the six hours it’ll be open at 3rd Ward, similar numbers might make the time to drop by and unload some unwanteds, then scour the takings.  The free flea will be open from 1-7pm, and here’s the kicker that brings in the Goodwill part of it: when the swap closes, all remaining goods will be donated to charity, and there will be an additional fundraising effort throughout the day to support City Harvest (the proceeds of which will be generated by the $3 entry fee and custom Score! tote bags available for purchase). 
 
The Great Recession is still in full-swing, and it looks like the jobless numbers aren’t going to get much better for another year or so: it’s time to get creative.  Sure, you can drop by Green Village to pick up some cheap clothes-by-the-pound, or a new (antique) chandelier, but here’s a chance to scrap something you no longer need — everyone’s got something — and maybe find what you’re looking for for free. 
 
My only predictive advice?  Get there early.