Woman's Donation Table Offers Hope With Every Repurposed Treasure

GREENPORT, NY — Call it love in the time of the pandemic: At a time when so many are faced with unprecedented challenges due to the economic impacts of the coronavirus, one Greenport business owner has quietly set up a table outside her restaurant to share discarded items that might mean everything to someone in need.

Sharon Sailor, owner of Front Street Station, said the idea for the donation table was born because she hates waste.

"I love to repurpose," she said. "I had things that I, and some family members, were no longer using. They were nothing ‘special’ to us, just everyday items we had outgrown or replaced. Yet I thought to myself that something that's so benign and that we take for granted can be life-changing to others."

Sailor decided to just leave the items out on the table overnight to "see what happens. We had two full tables the first night, and by the morning, one full table was gone," she said. "So an idea was born! I am community-oriented. Separately, we are just people and buildings. Together we are so much more a community. I am always looking for ways to give, to help, to give those less fortunate than myself the helping hand they need to progress. Sometimes all people need is to know that someone cares, that better is possible. Without hope what do people have?"

The table is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Sailor said; the only time it's not out is when rain is coming.

"I feel people may be embarrassed or uncomfortable to take things during the day. Although I do get many day-takers," she said.

There are no restrictions on the items, no criteria, no income limits, Sailor said. "If you see it, like it, and feel you can give it life and make use of it, please take it."

Sailor also shares photos of the table and its treasures on Facebook, tagging Penelope Rudder — who also spreads the word. Rudder is another giving resident who has created the Little Free Pantry in Greenport, where those in need can find provisions.

"We have replenished and emptied the table at least 10 times since its inception," Sailor said. "The sharing also prompted others to contact me that they had things to offer."

Several community members have dropped off wonderful items, many brand-new, which are soon up for grabs on the table, she said.

All items are from COVID free homes and are new or gently used and laundered.

Surprisingly, baby clothes are not a hit, Sailor said, so whatever was donated was repurposed and given to a church that could use them. Coffee makers, pants, and household items are the biggest movers, she added.

Sailor shared why she decided to set up the table: "I have been very fortunate and blessed in my life as far as health and family. Now that I am a business owner and able to participate on a larger level I live by two mottos: 'Your candle doesn’t burn brighter by blowing out someone else’s. Light theirs and you double the light,'" she said.

The other adage, Sailor said, is: "'You can get everything you want in life by helping others get what they need.' Hopefully, I am a small example of that."

The table is set up outside Front Street Station, located at 212 Front Street in Greenport.