DALTON, Mass. —The town is seeking volunteers to operate "Dal-mart," the transfer station's swap shed. 

 

The initiative provides individuals the opportunity to leave items they no longer need and/or take some items they need for free which prevents usable items from being tossed in landfills, reducing waste and supporting sustainability.

 

The shop is currently open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with hopes to expand operating hours as community awareness grows and additional volunteers become available to help staff the space.

 

"It's a way of reusing other people's stuff that's still in good condition," Green Committee member Kathy Perney said, highlighting a few items often found in the shop including toys, books, and dinnerware. 

 

The town opened the shop last June and to spread awareness invited Wahconah Regional High School students in the Umbrella Club to paint it.

 

When presented with this experience, 19 students stepped up to help design the illustration, although only eight were able to go on the field trip to paint. 

 

The students researched indigenous flowers and fauna to incorporate in its design, featuring the area's four seasons. Prominently displayed on the front are images that bring to light fall and spring and a native blue butterfly.