What if you could get some of your holiday shopping done without having to spend any money?
Communify can help you with that.
Communify is an organization that encourages bartering and exchanging between the Buffalo community. It is hosting its first Fall Clothing Exchange on Nov. 30 at The Foundry, a multi-function venue on Buffalo's East Side. Stephanie Brochey, the founder of Communify, created the organization so Buffalonians could trade goods for goods or goods for services - like free massages in exchange for a camera.
"The whole mission of Communify is just to prevent people from having to constantly be pulling out their wallets," Brochey said. "And focusing on all these different resources that are in the community, whether it be a friend with a skill or just people who are trying to get rid of stuff."
The organization started as a Facebook group that let people post items or services they were willing to exchange for things they needed. It was a way the community could avoid swapping with strangers on sites like Craigslist and make these exchanges more personal.
Brochey eventually wanted to incorporate the idea into an event that fit with Communify's theme.
Clothing exchanges were something she did regularly with her friends, so she realized it would be a great way to kick off her organization.
The upcoming Fall Clothing Exchange will allow people to come and hang their unwanted clothes on racks, then go around the rest of the venue to find clothes they want.
Communify has had a bigger response than in its first clothing exchange event, which was held in March. The FallyMac Food Truck, which specializes in macaroni and cheese, will be at the November event for any hungry holiday shopper.
"If I could have the ideal shopping experience, I'd want to go out and be able to get clothes for free, drink and hang out with my friends, so that's kind of how I set it up," Brochey said.
Attendees of the spring exchange ranged from age 18 to 55 years old. The event drew in the kind of crowd that is likely to go to a thrift store. Brochey hopes more people will invest in that kind of attitude by coming to the event.
"It's really focusing on reducing waste," Brochey said. "It's cutting out the fact that every person has to buy one of everything, that there should be more opportunities for people to be utilizing each other's resources."
Matt Maracle, a supporter of Communify since its conception, believes the organization provides a much needed service to Buffalo. He praises Brochey for starting Communify by herself.
For people who prefer to receive compensation, there is an option of exchanging clothes with Second Chic, a consignment store located in Elmwood Village.
Alison Pieroni, the manager of Second Chic, has been working with Brochey since the Spring Clothing Exchange.
"I think it's something new that Buffalo hasn't really had yet, so it's been cool to watch it grow and be a part of it," Pieroni said.
In August, Communify had its second event, "Show How." Brochey invited local businesses, tradespeople and organizations including the University Heights Tool Library - a Main Street business where students and homeowners can rent tools - to share their skills and services with locals.
Communify has no physical location, but Brochey hopes to have one by the end of next year. At the beginning of 2014, she plans to start having monthly meetings to organize people who want to stay involved, help plan events and bring in new volunteers.
The Fall Clothing Exchange will take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 30.
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