LEWISTON – The Internet is not always about bringing people from across the world together. On a smaller, but not less important, scale it can unite neighbors for a common cause. Just ask Katie Corcoran, moderator for Howe2Freecycle, a local group of freecycle.org, a forum that enables people to dispose of or obtain common household items, baby necessities, toys, books, furniture, a parakeet, you name it – all for free and without adding to landfills.

After a story on freecycle.org was published in the Living section of the Sun Journal’s Oct. 24 issue, the group’s membership jumped by 250, bringing the total to almost 800 people. Corcoran is encouraged that there will be “more items to share, more people aware of the environment and community spirit.”

A good example of this community spirit is a clothing swap held recently at the Time Exchange building at 2 Howe St., Lewiston. “Over 50 people showed up to the giveaway and left with much-needed clothing. We hope to do it again in the spring and make it a biannual event,” said Corcoran.

With so many new Howe2Freecycle members, Corcoran offers a few pointers. “Don’t expect to find something right away. The group has its busy periods and slow times. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you would like. Sometimes people forget what they have and seeing someone post a ‘need’ gets them into their closets, garages, attics, etc… where they find other things to offer.”

Corcoran believes what makes Howe2Freecycle successful is its spirit. “Some people say that our society has lost its back-to-basics and frugal foundation. I think for many it’s just been hard to find others who feel the same way about recycling as both an ecological and economically viable lifestyle.”

“Knowing that we can find like-minded individuals or organizations through an Internet exchange system is wonderful,” she said.