It’s back- 10 years and going strong!
This event is SUPER popular, and supplies run out quickly.
A backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of SMOAC on August 9, 2025, at Rio Seco School in Santee, starting at 9AM. It is a drive-thru event. People start lining up as early as 7:30AM, and the line moves FAST!
I’m working on collecting more info on Back to School supply giveaways, and I’ll have another post coming up soon!
I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kid’s wardrobes (and my own).
And as always, if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources) here.
AUGUST 2025
Thread Bumpin’ Clothing Swap
Saturday, August 2, 2025 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM La Mesita Park 8855 Dallas St · La Mesa, CA
Only the following will be accepted:
All leftover items are distributed to people in need through an NPO.
Crave Community is hosting a clothing swap on August 3rd, from 11am-1pm at San Diego Made Factory 2031 Commercial Street, San Diego, California 92213.
Bring your gently-loved clothes, swap for something new-to-you, and enjoy a welcoming space filled with good vibes and even better company.
More information can be found on their Instagram page here.
Chingona Cambio is hosting their first-ever clothing swap at Chula Vista Bayside Park
999 Bayside Parkway Chula Vista, CA 91910
on August 30th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
More information can be found here.
Tickets may not be available, but according to social media posts by the coordinator of this event, everyone is welcome, regardless of ticketing status.
On 8/16/2025, The Flower Pot is hosting a clothing swap, entry fee is $10. More information here.
SEPTEMBER AND BEYOND
In partnership with I Love a Clean San Diego, the San Diego County library branch in La Mesa is hosting a Sustainable Saturday: Clothing Swap on the following dates:
Bring one bag of unwanted clothes and accessories (for all ages!) to the library and leave with a fresh, new-to-you wardrobe! Items must be in good condition; no rips, tears, or stains.
I find clothing swaps by joining local area clothing swap groups, both through Facebook and Meetup.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 5 at 4pm-8pm
If your tweens/teens are feeling a little meh this summer and could benefit from support, check out this great free offer from Live Well San Diego, the County of San Diego HHS, and Fred Finch.
Available three times a week at various locations throughout Santee, this program is open to all kids in grades 5-8. No prior registration needed.
If you are looking for mental health resources in California, check out my post here.
It’s time again for the All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair on Friday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miramar Hourglass Recreation Center – 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92126.
All activities and resources are available free of charge and open to the public.
Kids of all abilities will love this event, brought to you by the Special Needs Resource Foundation. Below is just a glimpse of what to expect:
Activity stations
Sign up to join us for this amazing day of inclusivity.
Activity stations for kids include favorites: Olaf Snowball Toss, Pokémon Scavenger Hunt, Super Wheelchair Awareness Course, Super Hero City Speedway, Crown-a-Polooza, and more!
Character meet and greets: Say hello to Princess Ariel and other beloved characters at this fun-filled event that the family will love.
Family resources and networking: Resource and service providers will be on-site to speak with parents and offer helpful information. Be sure to pick up a copy of Flourishing Families at our Special Needs Resource Foundation booth.
ShopAble Bazaar: Stop by to browse and buy amazing products and valuable services from business owners with disabilities.
Sensory Time: From 11 to 11:30 a.m., families who need a quieter environment can enjoy the event with just one opening announcement and no music.
I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kid’s wardrobes (and my own).
And as always, if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources) here.
April means Earth Day is coming up! And that means clothing swaps!
Clothing Swap at La Mesa’s Earth Day Fair!
Join I Love A Clean San Diego for a free clothing and accessories swap during the City of La Mesa’s Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 19th, at the La Mesa Community Garden! Swap your gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories and find your next favorite outfit while helping keep textiles out of the landfill.
La Mesa Community Garden – 5080 Memorial Dr.
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
No registration is needed – walk-ins are welcome!
Women’s Clothing Swap
Location: The Chapel at Grossmont
5651 Water St, La Mesa, CA
Saturday, April 26, 2025
10 am-2 pm
How it works:
Bring your gently used* WOMEN’S CLOTHING, accessories, shoes, etc. and trade them for items you want to take home. No selling, no buying, just swapping. You simply drop off your items on the front table and you can start shopping for items you want to take home – free! Come and drop off all the items you want to swap and leave with items that will bring value to you.
Items can include:
-Gently used* or semi-new clothing pieces
-Gently used* or semi-new shoes
-Jewelry pieces
-Accessories: scarfs, hats, purses, belts
*Items should be freshly laundered and either on hangers or laid flat in a box (not in bags, please)
This event is back and will be an amazing time! The 2nd Annual All-Inclusive Day of Play: Starry Cinema & Resource Fair on Sunday, April 13 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone – 6845 University Ave., San Diego, 92115.
And as the sun sets, an outdoor screening of a family movie (title to be determined) will be shown on a large outdoor screen! Bring your chairs and blankets!
It’s back! This event is super fun, and FREE! We’ve gone in the past and my kids have loved it!
The annual San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering’s signature event returns to Petco Park and will be held on Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Festival will be a full day of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fun provided by hundreds of San Diego area businesses, schools, libraries, and museums. Admission is free and open to the public, no registration is required. A clear bag policy will also be in effect.
This year’s event is presented by Illumina Corporate Foundation and will feature more than 100 booths. New to the event this year:
“The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering aims to make learning exciting and accessible for all ages by immersing kids and adults in STEAM education,” says Sara Pagano, Managing Director, San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering. “The event also highlights San Diego’s leadership in the science industry, breaking down even the most complex topics to make them clear and engaging for everyone.”
There will be dozens of returning hands-on learning experiences, interactive activities, and experiments to inspire kids (and kids at heart!) to engage in all things STEAM including:
All EXPO DAY ‘Know Before You Go’ tips and updates are listed at: lovestemsd.org.
As you may have noticed, I haven’t been posting much lately. There has been a lot going on, and I’ve been taking time to process it all and help my kids and family. There is a lot of uncertainty in the US, and worldwide. I know my family isn’t the only one who is upset, confused, and scared for all of the unknowns in our future.
I don’t want to leave y’all in the lurch, so I’ve spent the last few days brainstorming and planning, and I’ve got some plans to write and post more information about how each of you can keep afloat during uncertain times.
I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kid’s wardrobes (and my own).
There are a few upcoming swaps that I recommend. Both are for adult clothes and accessories.
And as always, And if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources) here.
FREE Clothing Swap & Decor & Extra!
Location: Pioneer Park 1501 Washington Place, San Diego
Sunday, October 6, 2024
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM PDT
Bring clothes, small decor, and Unused makeups / perfumes, personal items to donate or swap. Open to all genders, ages, and sizes.
Bring your unwanted, clean, in good repair clothing and extras to take home new clothing. Take what you want and leave what you don’t want. Clothing, accessories and small personal items are accepted. * No books, or any heavy items please.
Green LOVE Clothing Swap
Location: Montezuma Hall
6075 Aztec Circle Dr · San Diego, CA
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
12:00 PM to 4:30 PM PDT
For more information, check out the website: https://as.sdsu.edu/greenlove/swapshop
Porchlight Halloween costume swap
Location: 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite F, San Diego, CA
Saturday, October 12th
9:30 am-11:30am
For more information or to sign up to participate, check out the website: https://events.humanitix.com/kids-costume-swap
Women’s Clothing Swap
Location: The Chapel at Grossmont
5651 Water St, La Mesa, CA
Saturday, October 19, 2024
10 am-2 pm
How it works:
Bring your gently used* WOMEN’S CLOTHING, accessories, shoes, etc. and trade them for items you want to take home. No selling, no buying, just swapping. You simply drop off your items on the front table and you can start shopping for items you want to take home – free! Come and drop off all the items you want to swap and leave with items that will bring value to you.
Items can include:
-Gently used* or semi-new clothing pieces
-Gently used* or semi-new shoes
-Jewelry pieces
-Accessories: scarfs, hats, purses, belts
*Items should be freshly laundered and either on hangers or laid flat in a box (not in bags, please)
Hewes Family Fun 