Every Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. feels like Christmas morning at the New Canaan Swap Shop.
Whenever you’re feeling down in the dumps—or as we say in New Canaan, the Transfer Station—stop by. You’ll be greeted by a cheerful crew of volunteers who act like personal shoppers, eager to help you find what you’re looking for—or, more often, something you didn’t even know you needed.
The place is pure joy. Donations roll in — a fire truck bed, a set of Spode Christmas plates, even a wobbly end table that just needs love (or at least a coaster). Cars pull up, trunks pop open, and treasures change hands faster than you can say, “Wait, is that free?”
Even the name makes you smile. Swap Shop. It sounds like something Dr. Seuss would’ve invented.
For me, it’s been a revolving door of toddler loot. My grandson Jackson visits from New Orleans every few months and outgrows toys faster than I can say, “Please don’t climb that.” Last week, we scored a Paw Patrol lookout tower that loudly announces “Paw Patrol to the Lookout!” every time a car goes down the ramp — which is approximately 767 times an hour — and a Thomas the Tank Engine windmill that still spins like it’s had its coffee.
Now Jackson’s gone home until Christmas, and my house is once again a minefield of plastic wheels and tiny socks. So tomorrow, I’m hauling back a Little Tikes car, a toy lawnmower, a bead maze, and a few well-chewed board books. Get there early — this stuff moves faster than a toddler on sugar.
Because at the Swap Shop, joy doesn’t cost a dime. It just keeps going around — and around — and around again.
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Gail Sheffler is the founder of Your Life Well Told, a legacy storytelling service that helps people write among other things Heirloom Histories — so the things you want to pass down don’t end up at the Swap Shop.
So nice to hear about the joys of a Swap Shop instead of a dreary dump. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Loved this article.
I love this article, and your enthusiasm for the Swap Shop! One request: donors should bring their boxes and bags into the shop for unpacking by the volunteers, or give show to a volunteer outside. We have had some broken glass and knives, and it’s best that “treasures” aren’t gone through in the parking lot. Keep bringing and taking! Reuse, repurpose, recycle!
I love the swap shop. It’s the happiest place in New Canaan.
I loved this Op-Ed too but as a volunteer at the shop, I’m biased. 🙂
To what Toddy said above, I would add that you can tell if someone is an actual volunteer by the bright safety vests we wear.
The Swap Shop represents so many good things. Saving the planet, creating community, and bringing joy to both those who are letting go of items they no longer need, as well as the happy “finders” of new treasures. Bravo to Planet New Canaan!
I am so happy to work there as a volunteer from the very beginning. I love seeing the surprise in someone’s face when they find something they really love or need. Thank you to all our donors.