If you have kids, you know just how fast they outgrow their clothes, gear, and toys. If you have been following the news, you know just how difficult these times are for everyone, whether affected by the economy, illness, or natural disasters. A local community organization called peace.love.swap is aiming to assist with these issues and do their part to make everyone’s life a little easier.

peace.love.swap is a one of kind organization that produces local kid’s clothing and gear swaps. Parents are able to get together in family-friendly venues to recycle and swap gently used items. At this event, attendees play with their kids and support local venues at the same time. They meet other parents in the community and build friendships. They help the environment by recycling their items and keeping them out of landfills. They give to charities because when the event is over, leftover items go to local charities. In addition, when there is an urgent specific need, they donate financially to a cause as well, such as the current earthquake victims in Japan.

“It’s green, fun, affordable and it helps everyone in the community. We hope to see a peace.love.swap event going on at least every other month in each of the Tri-Valley cities. The events really are a win-win for everyone involved – the moms, the communities, the environment, the venues that host and the charities that benefit afterwards. How could you not love these swaps?” said Mindy Sideris, coordinator of the Tri-Valley peace.love.swap events.

The first Tri-Valley peace.love.swap event will be held on Monday, April 11th from 10AM to 1PM at BounceU of Pleasanton at 7073 Commerce Circle. Participants can drop off items between 10:00AM-11:00AM and the Swap will run from 11:30AM to 1:00PM. Please see www.peaceloveswap.com for important information. Leftover items will be sent to the earthquake victims in Japan.

The cost is $5 to swap and $4 per child to play. Event volunteers can swap for free.