I love that I have some place close to go when I have a short period of time between drop-off and pick-up for my older son.

Shannon Rhoads
parent of two - 3 1/2 and sixteen months.

October 1st, 2008 (Founders’ Day)

Hi Karen,

Thank you so much for your incredible vision. I am a proud founding member and hope to stop by today after work. My twins turned 5 this summer and recently got their first new pair of shoes…soccer shoes. Up until then, I have been able to get all their shoes second hand from cousins, friends and for the last year, the swap shop. We have also actively swapped clothing, toys and books.

Even though they are now in kindergarten, I find myself alone at the swap shop every week bringing in a tub full of clothing, books, and shoes that we no longer use. When I consider the reduction in packaging waste and shipping fuel (from overseas), I know it really adds up and makes a difference. I am also glad to know that we can come together as a community and support each other. I feel better knowing that we have resources to help get us all through whatever may be ahead.

Thanks again, Karen. And thanks to the readers who have brought so many interesting books into my life.

Sincerely, Laura Torgerson, ND

I am writing to tell you how much my family has enjoyed being members of the Sunnyside Co-op and Swap Shop. We have benefitted from it immensely. To start with, knowing that I and my twin 4 year old boys have somewhere to go on a rainy day is huge. We have passed on toys that we are no longer using and gone home with different toys. We have borrowed good books and videos, and found pajamas, shoes and snow pants.

Sunnyside has become part of our routine. All through the week we collect things we are willing to pass on. Almost every Monday we play at Sunnyside for an hour. During that time, I get the opportunity to give back to the community by sharing some of what I learned in naturopathic medical school. I have met some wonderful people and had some great discussions. The whole experience has been fabulous. I am delighted to be among the founding members.

Kudos and Happy New Year. And, welcome to the new members!

- Dr. Laura Torgerson, ND

Although I’ve said it before, here is the “offical” version: Thank you, Karen, for dreaming up & organizing the Sunnyside Swap Shop. Everyone there, including Sarah Taylor, our school principal, had a big smile on their face and big bags in their hands as they exited the school Saturday.

But more than that, it created a big open space in our hearts, filled with dreams, hopes, realities, possibilities and connections for me and my family. My son, who somehow has the “materialism” gene, was utterly amazed at the sheer number of items there just for him (I imagine he thought) to choose from! The miracle occurred when he came to realize that all those toys that were there, all the stuff, was stuff that members of the community, his community, were so freely giving away. There were so many levels of appreciation to that realization of his, that his face could barely contain it, so that his smile got wild and his eyes rolled around happily in his head! It was breathtaking to behold, truly, to see the effects of your dream on my son’s face last Saturday! I cannot thank you enough.

Many people dream. Few persevere, walking with their dream to it’s destiny, as did you. It still inspires me to think that you’ve only just arrived here in Portland, young children in tow, recently separated from their father, your husband. (and let’s not forget your close friend who you helped transition to The Divine Unknown) Yet, your trust in others remains strong despite adversity, and leads you to build community in wise and wonderous ways. You are the Phoenix, born and rising from the ashes, providing a light beackon to all of us here, as a guide in how to fly.

- Nikki Monacelli
Founding member of the Sunnyside Family Swap Shop and Play Space
Parent of a Sunnyside Environmental School student