Early Childhood Connections is hosting SWAP Saturday, September 14th from 8am – 10am in the Hays High School Cafeteria.  Beth Hansen, Parent Educator at Early Childhood Connections, told Hays Post that SWAP is just like a garage sale without any money being exchanged.

“It’s an opportunity for families to kind of move on some of those items that they are no longer needing and in a sense swap it with something that now their child will be growing into or will play with.”

Families can donate any gently-used maternity clothing, baby items, children’s toys, books, and children’s clothing up to size 5-6 years.  Drop off is Friday September 13th 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm.  Organizers will lay the donations out like a large garage sale with items arranged by type, gender and age.  The next morning, families can come back and choose what items their family could use at no cost.  Hansen said that the event is open to everyone.

“It is open to the community; you do not need to be part of the early childhood connections program.  Of course, we always encourage taking what your family needs; consider that there are other families out there that are needing the same kinds of things.”

Organizers will provide bags/sacks if needed.  While a donation of unneeded children items is encouraged, it’s not a requirement.  All are welcome at the SWAP.  Hansen said that in past years, there have been lines of people the morning of the event.  She added that a lot of residents benefit from the event, which is the purpose this is put on every year.  Hansen also said that the Hays High School cafeteria has been full in past years, both with donated items and families looking for items.

At the end of the event, all remaining items will be donated to a group that will be able to use the goods to assist families in need.  For example, last year a Hays High student who had been collecting the remaining donations took a U-Haul of goods to a Native-American reservation to distribute.  Hansen said that the ultimate goal, either during the event or afterwards, is to help families in need.

Anyone with questions can contact Early Childhood Connections at 785-623-2440.