SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - In 2021, Dezirae Bohlen started a toy swap by placing toys her kids no longer wanted near the curb. Others followed her lead, and soon the corner of 19th Street and Ridgely became an unofficial neighborhood spot for those looking for free Christmas gifts.
Four years later, the toy swap has expanded, offering all sorts of things for families in need.
"We have adult clothes, kids clothes, women's and men's shoes, socks, gloves, nonperishable food items," said Nicole Horner, who helps with the toy swap. "We will fill the whole space up, and within an hour, everything will be gone."
Horner and Bohlen stop by the swap multiple times a day to restock with donated items. Organizations will collect used items for them or provide funds so the women can shop for things secondhand or when things are on sale.
Bohlen said it's not uncommon for people to show up empty-handed and leave with their arms full. It's also not uncommon for people to bring anything they can spare. She doesn't care either way; she just wants to bring joy to families.
"We want people to come and do their thing without any judgment," Bohlen said. "Especially with the food we provide, it's been hard for people with SNAP benefits, so we know it's been helpful for people."
Each year, the swap grows more and more. In the future, the women want to build a shed on the property, so they can accept donations all year long.
The idea is catching on in other communities as well. Bohlen said someone in Jacksonville started a similar swap to provide extra help to their neighborhood as well.
"We will be restocking, and people will come and have tears in their eyes because they are able to get stuff for their kids for Christmas, which is a huge deal," Horner said. "That's why we're on this mission to get everybody out here and to swap toys."
Bohlen posts on her Facebook when she restocks the area. She also coordinates large donations or cash donations through her Facebook page. If you are looking to donate toys or other goods, you can drop them off at the toy swap location at any time.
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