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The Freebie Barn - New Updates for Summer/Fall 2023

Posted on: August 1, 2023 - 4:03pm
Freebie Barn Decorative Cover Image with Hand and Megaphone

The Town of Kittery, in collaboration with the Climate Adaptation Committee and Kittery Climate Action Now (KCAN) reopened the Freebie Barn Program in 2023 with exciting improvements.  Since it reopened with the incorporation of themed collections, Community Partners and a Community Swap, over 5,000 lbs has been donated and diverted from the waste stream. Freebie Barn Illustrated Flyer - 5,000 lbs in diverted waste

You might be wondering if 5,000 lbs makes a difference, and the answer is YES!  The amount that’s been diverted from the waste stream is the equivalent of a car staying off the road for 1.5 years.  That change can prevent approximately 6.5 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from releasing in our atmosphere.  And believe it or not, we’re not done yet!

During the last several months, we’ve been collecting data, talking to our volunteers and listening to YOU.  To build on the success of the program, and continue providing this invaluable resource to the community, the Freebie Barn will be observing some new updates to its schedule and operation.  

Learn more about the Freebie Barn and what’s new for the end of Summer and Fall 2023, below:

What is the Freebie Barn?
The Freebie Barn is a place to drop off, pick up, and swap common, reusable items. The goal of the Freebie Barn is to prevent items that still have a useful life and purpose, from being put into the waste stream and landfills.
 
What’s New at the Freebie Barn?
  • The Freebie Barn will continue to focus on its monthly schedule of themed items, but residents are also welcome to donate or take home items outside of the theme, as space allows.
  • The Freebie Barn will continue utilizing local Community Partners to ensure items that still have useful life, can be repurposed or reused by those in need.
  • The Freebie Barn Community Swap will be discontinued at this time, and replaced with adjusted operating hours. (More on that below!)
When is the Freebie Barn Open?
The Freebie Barn will now observe extended hours on Wednesdays and be open on the last Saturday of each month!
 
  • Beginning in August 2023:
    • The Freebie Barn at the KRRF will be open from 11 AM - 3 PM on Wednesdays.
  • Beginning in September 2023:
    • The Freebie Barn at the KRRF will be open from 9 AM - 1 PM on the last Saturday of the month.
      • The kick-off date for Saturdays at the Freebie Barn will be Saturday, September 30, 2023!

Note: The Freebie Barn's hours will be dependent on volunteer availability.

Do you still need volunteers?
Yes, every month! The Freebie Barn is a volunteer-operated program and requires engaged citizens like YOU to help make it a success.
 
For more information or to sign up to be a Freebie Barn volunteer, please visit the Freebie Barn page on our website at www.kitteryme.gov/freebiebarn or click here.
 
Thank you!
Whether you’ve found time to volunteer, or you’ve donated or repurposed items, we’d like to thank you for participating in the Freebie Barn Program.  It’s clear that our community members remain dedicated to supporting one another, and reducing waste.  With your help, we can ensure Kittery is a thriving and resilient community for everyone to enjoy.
 
Freebie Barn Update Flyer   Call for Volunteers at the Freebie Barn Flyer