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Chatham Block Holds Annual 'Take And Go' Giveaway

 Frances Agins organized the giveaway five years ago.
Frances Agins organized the giveaway five years ago.
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DNAinfo/Andrea V. Watson

CHATHAM — Members of a block club in Chatham do their best to give back to their community, and that includes giving away things for free.

Every year on one Saturday in June, residents of the 400 block of East 88th Place give away clothes, toys, linens, books and more.

During this year's event on Saturday, front yards and sidewalks were filled with tables and racks of freebies. This is the fifth year of the giveaway, which was started by the block club secretary, Frances Agins, 53, a 16-year resident.  

“Our block club, we’re a close-knit group, and whatever we can do to give back to the community, we do,” she said.

Residents of the block call each other family. Lee Curry, a 95-year-old veteran, helps the block with its gardens and lawns while still finding time to maintain his own.

“We decided five years ago to not do a rummage sale, but instead just take-and-go, don’t sell anything,” Agins said. “The community is in need, and we’re here to just stand in the gap.”

She said there’s always a “significant” turnout.

Brian Harris, 53, has participated every year, and this year he gave away linen, clothes and some of his grandson’s toys.

 Neighbors on a Chatham block have held a June giveaway instead of a rummage sale for the last five years.
Neighbors on a Chatham block have held a June giveaway instead of a rummage sale for the last five years.
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DNAinfo/Andrea V. Watson

“This is a very good and positive thing that we’re doing because I know every household on this block has something to give away, and that’s how you receive your blessings, by giving to others,” he said.

Grady Moore, 75, lives on Vernon Avenue, the next block over, but he participated for the first time on Saturday. He’s friends with Curry and his neighbor Leroy McCray, a recent retiree and artist.

“The neighbors here are very friendly and very united,” Moore said. “That’s one of the things I like about coming over here.”

He said he plans to tell his block club about the annual community event and encourage his neighbors to do the same.

“This is very unique, and I think that it’s a very good thing for the block,” said Moore.

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