Hoop dreams

It takes a village to scavenge cast-offs from your neighbors

Photos by the author

Like many places, in my neighborhood people put old household stuff at the curb when they don’t want it anymore. Then people walking past pick it up, free for the taking if they have a need.

All summer there has been even more of this due to the covid effect. People spend more time at home, and they have more opportunity to clean out their basement, garage or attic.

I’m working from home and walking the dogs more, so every day I witness curbs filled with old furniture, yard tools, or all kinds of cast-offs. Sometimes I snag something good for myself, like the new-to-me desk for my 5th-grade daughter’s virtual schooling or even a high-end paper shredder.

For me, the most valuable items to scavenge would be athletics gear to keep our 6- and 10-year-old kids occupied. I know I’m not alone in this. Ever since the pandemic started, people have been searching for at-home gym equipment, bikes and outdoor sports gear.

You can see the same things play out on Craigslist or neighborhood Facebook groups. Neighbors helping neighbors get through quarantining together — clearing things out for space or adding equipment to stay occupied.