The story behind the swaps
In 2019, after having my first daughter, I was a patient at Midwives of NJ. They hosted a Mothers Market where moms brought gently used baby items to share with one another. Everything was free, and anything that wasn’t taken was donated to a domestic violence shelter.
I left that event feeling so inspired. It wasn’t just about baby clothes and gear, it was about connection, moms helping moms, and the feeling of generosity. As a new mom, I was realizing how quickly babies grow out of things, how many items we accumulate that we barely get to use, and sometimes even things left with tags still on. I wanted a way to pay it forward, to make sure these items could find a home where they would be truly needed, and to create a sense of community for families like mine. I knew I wanted to bring something like that to Staten Island.
In February 2020 I hosted the very first Sunny Side Up Swap (back then called The Moms’ Social Swap). My job at RTR Financial Services generously let me use the front of their office and conference rooms, and I had a group of amazing volunteers, coworkers, friends, and family, all pitching in to help. Only a few moms came that day, but it still felt like a success. I learned so much about organizing the event and how to get the word out. At the end, I rented a U-Haul and, with a friend, loaded up everything that was left and drove it to Good Counsel House.
Then the world shut down. I didn’t host another swap for two years.
When I became a birth educator, I knew the swaps were the perfect way to build community. I started hosting them in my driveway, and eventually NY1 picked up the story. Slowly the swaps grew. We’ve had over 500 families come through, hosted at Crafty Kids and at the JCC on Manor Road, and donated leftover items to so many local organizations.
The Sunny Side Up Swaps have always been a labor of love. I hope families leave feeling supported, finding what they need without financial stress, and knowing that what they give will go to another family who will put it to good use. It’s about saving money for the resources you really need as a parent, realizing you don’t need as much as you think, and creating a cycle of giving that feels good for everyone.
Most of all, it’s about the people I’ve met along the way. Over these last five years, I’ve had the joy of meeting so many families and watching their children grow. What started as a simple idea has become a tradition in our community and one of my favorite ways to connect with parents.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep growing the swaps into bigger spaces so even more families can participate. I want parents to experience the joy of passing items forward, finding what they need, and feeling the support of a community that truly cares. Staten Island families deserve that, and I can’t wait to see what the next five years bring.
If you’d like to know when the next Sunny Side Up Swap is happening, I’d love for you to join my email list. It’s the best way to stay updated on upcoming events, birth classes, and resources for parents here on Staten Island. You can sign up here and be the first to know when new swaps and gatherings are announced.
