By SUSAN DROMEY HEETER, Joyful Musings

So, Joyful Musers, it’s that time of year when we start to purge, clean out, organize, toss. Last weekend’s annual ThriftSwap in Portsmouth showcased what we all know – that indeed we have way too much stuff, way too many pants, way too many t-shirts.  Alas, Joyful Musers, in that same vein, we have way too many opportunities for volunteering and community.

I generally attend the ThriftSwap as a journalist and witness people rifle through piles of clothes, go through hundreds of shoes, eyeball mounds of accessories as they search for their treasures. This year, however, upon entering with my bag of donations, rather than asking people about their experiences, I offered my service as a volunteer and was scooped up faster than a Louis Vuitton bag. I donned an apron, began opening bags and chatted with other volunteers who also came to help. And honestly, Joyful Musers, the behind the scenes volunteering was an absolute blast.

First of all, there were a myriad of energetic and delightful people who shared their time. Some were students, some were from around the area, one woman volunteered who works for an environmental company.  There were so many bags of clothes, no one sat for a moment; they simply opened and sorted, laughed and tossed.  Bags and bags kept coming in, this annual ThriftSwap which began in a room in the Portsmouth Library, now it is held in the gymnasium of Portsmouth’s Community Campus.  Donations and participants have doubled, tripled, quadrupled in size.  

And it’s good to feel busy and useful, I know I felt as if I’d found the cure for cancer when I found the second Sorel boot to a pair.  The woman searching for the mate was delighted; I was, too.  And this swap is fun, no money exchanges hands, no bribes, no discounts or loyalty points. People simply bring clothes they no longer want or wear and take clothing that is new to them. While sorting, I found a Sundance cardigan that looks a bit Starsky and Hutchish but which works and is perfect for spring days. Score.

So, Joyful Musers, may you find your own sweater and Zen as you volunteer, as you participate in community. Seek the joy, the levity, the fun. The possibilities are endless, just look around and ask, “How can I be helpful?”  And I muse joyfully you’ll laugh while you participate in the goodness of giving back.

Susan Dromey Heeter writes from Newmarket and often from the road where she joyfully muses on life in the fast and slow lanes. She drives a stick shift, can also ride a unicycle and recently retired after 30+ years of teaching. Dromey Heeter finds joy primarily in Milk Duds and people who make her laugh, not necessarily in that order.  Follow Susan @dromeyheeter on Instagram and/or @BudgetVogue63.  She can also be reached at dromeyheeter@gmail.com.