CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- A local social media group has connected neighbors through the act of giving.
The Buy Nothing Project is an international network of community-based Facebook groups. Claire Hughes is the founding administrator of the Carbondale, Illinois chapter.
"We are creating an economy of abundance through gifting and sharing, instead of buying and selling," said Hughes.
The chapter started in July 2019, intending to strengthen community relations through the giving and sharing of items, time and talent.
Hughes said people have asked for anything from an adapter for a cord to a car. No item is too big or too small.
"You get to know your neighbors. You learn more about the people in your community. You meet the people in your community, and the Buy Nothing Project refers to that as give where you live," said Hughes.
The private group covers Carbondale and Makanda only. Hughes said there's no limit for requests as long as it's not a regulated or restricted item.
"Within our first month of starting the group, we helped two local teachers get what they needed to set up their classrooms for the school year. And when we did that, after we did that, I knew we had something really special here, something that was going to be successful," explained Hughes.
Since then, the group has grown to nearly 500 members. Politics and religion are not allowed, nor is the group referred to as a charity. Hughes said there is no difference between trash or treasure. She said it's important to note that the Buy Nothing Project is not a swap group because there's no exchange of money.
"We are so used to living in a market-based community, where everything has a monetary value, everything has some intrinsic value that we place on it. Here, the value in an item is the relationship that comes after you give it to someone," said Hughes.
She said a group like this strengthens a community, especially during times like these. To her, everyone who contributes to the group is a hero.
For more information on the Buy Nothing Project, and how your community can get involved, click .
