​HY-Swap Basics

 

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Step 1. Sign in at the event

Step 2. Take a bag

Step 3. Fill a bag

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This is a free event, donations are welcome and help cover costs. 

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What is Hy-Swap? What can I find at the swap?

It is a FREE community exchange of infant, children’s and maternity clothing, gear, books and toys, presented by a group of local parents and families in the spring and fall. The quantity of items in each category depends on the donations we receive for that event. Need shoes? We typically have more pairs than we can count in all sizes. We also have school uniform separates (e.g. white button-down shirts, khaki pants). Looking for books? We get LOTS of books each HY-Swap...

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Is it free? How do I sign up?

Yes, the swap is free, but we welcome donations to help cover our costs. We suggest a $15 donation per family. Please visit the Fall 2025 page to sign up for a shop time.   

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Do I have to GIVE in order to TAKE?

Nope! The spirit of the HY-Swap is to support the community and pay it forward - take what you need now, and if you have items to give at future swaps, great! Donations are from the local community, for the local community. 

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How can I donate? Is there anything you don't accept?

We accept presorted, gently used (or new) infant, children’s and maternity clothing, gear books, and toys.  Please do not donate badly stained/ripped/damaged clothes. We do not accept furniture such as cribs, mattresses, nursing/rocking chairs, etc.  Visit the Fall 2025 page for information about when and where to drop off donations. NO donations will be accepted on the day of the HY-Swap event. 

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How should I sort my items?

Please pre-sort your items into five categories: Clothes (pre-sorted and ideally labeled by size), Shoes, Toys, Gear, and Books.  Donations should be dropped off in small/medium size bags or boxes (ie: grocery bags, reusable bags, diaper boxes etc).   Pre-sorting your items makes it easier for our volunteers to get all of the items where they belong, allowing us to run a more organized and efficient swap.  Thank you! 

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Is there a limit on how much I can take?

Because we never know the volume of donations we'll receive, we are asking everyone to take up to two reusable grocery-sized bags of items. You are more than welcome to come back at the end of the Swap and take as much as you'd like at that time but we want to ensure that as many folks as possible have access to the donations. ​​​​​​​

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Do I need to get there when the doors open to get anything good?

We will have two shopping times and will split the donations received into two sets so we can give the most out to the greatest number of people.  We can only put out the donations we have been given so your best chance at getting items is to be at the start of your shopping time. 

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Where do I go?

The swap is held at the Hyattsville Municipal Building (4310 Gallatin Street).  Items for children under 2, as well as maternity clothing, will be in the First Floor Multi-purpose Room, and items for children 3 and up, toys, books, and larger items will be in our large tents outside.  

 

Where can I park?

Plan to park in the lot at the building (except for the spots marked Reserved for Hyattsville Police), in the lot across Gallatin to the south (Lot 4), or in the lot by Franklins across Route 1 (Lot 1). Here's a handy parking map: http://www.hyattsville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3569.  Note, strollers are not allowed in the swap due to limited space and fire codes, so we encourage you to leave it at home if you can. We will have limited stroller parking available.  

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What HAPPENS with the SURPLUS stuff?

HY-Swap donates to local charities that provide services to area families in need. Some off-season items are held for the next swap.  If you are affiliated with an organization like this, please reach out to us! 

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