The Free Table

Our apartment complex has a table in the mail room. It has a small sign above it indicating that residents can leave things there and take anything that shows up. Usually it's clothes, shoes, or household items that people realize they don't need when they're moving out or in. Sometimes the table is full, sometimes it is barren. People even leave their old boxy TVs! Food shows up occasionally, but I'm not such a big fan of food on the free table. Seems fishy.

I think this is a fanatastic idea for almost any community. It makes getting rid of stuff so much easier--there's no need for a "donate someday" bin that just takes up room in your house and never actually makes it to Goodwill. And you don't have to feel bad knowing you trashed something that was still perfectly useful, either.  I just put an insulated coffee cup and a fleece blanket out there. (I love throw blankets, but I have 3... now 2, I guess.)

If you don't know of any free tables in your vicinity, I'd encourage you to find a way to start one. If you live in an apartment complex, the mail room is a great place. Appeal to the management! If you run a business, maybe you can set one up in your lobby (depending on the business.) Churches also seem like very fitting places. My church has a version of a free table, but it's mostly for parents with extra/a lack of baby supplies. Just make sure whoever is in charge approves, of course.

The free table is a community-savvy concept that can really bless a lot of people in a lot of ways. When my roommates and I were about to move in, we got super blessed by a big pile of pots and pans that showed up. Later we got a full matching set of plates and bowls. God definitely has used the free table to provide for us.
Checking the free table gives me the same feeling as shopping, but without actually spending money. Just like going to the store, even if there's nothing I want, it's fun to just look. Sure, there might be the temptation to take things you don't need, just like shopping, but overall I think free tables fit with the ideals of minimalism and charity. Your spare hoodie that you rarely wear might be just what a poor kid needed this winter. If you really can't get a free table going, then just plain give stuff away--I'm sure if you drive around town you'll find a guy with a shopping cart who needs a blanket.

So go forth and be generous!