Abundance Exchange

How it Got Started

Several weeks before Christmas 2008, Victoria Taylor and Monica Thompson wanted to release some of their excess belongings, and do so in a manner consistent with Unity and Native American beliefs - “sharing with the tribe.” Originally they thought they would do this only within their Unity church community. However, Vickie later felt inspired to do it at the community level; the phrase that kept coming to her was “In times like these...”

The exchange was intended to be a way to empower people. For people with excess, it could be an opportunity to become more aware of their own abundance and also enjoy the opportunity to help people in a direct manner. For the recipients, it could be an opportunity to receive help without judgment or condition — perhaps even an opportunity to experience unconditional love.

Victoria and Monica also wanted to provide the community of Quincy an opportunity to come together during the difficult times of the financial crisis that had just hit the country in the fall of 2008, and to help each other. Victoria wanted to help people remember that their true source is God, the true source of their abundance is God, and with that realization, help them let go of attachments to material goods. Victoria also wanted the opportunity to shine a light on Unity Spiritual Life Center of Quincy (then known as Unity Church of Quincy), a small church of only about 40 members that most Quincyans had not heard of.

After this original inspiration, Victoria got to work making phone calls and organizing the event. Niemann Foods Inc., generously donated the use of their vacant building at 30th and Broadway, as well as the utilities necessary to make it habitable for the days it was used. Quincy Public Schools donated the use of 20 tables. The event was publicized via live radio interviews, a live television interview and flyers distributed at Niemann Foods Inc's stores in Quincy as well as through the Quincy public schools and members of the Unity church.

The first Abundance Exchange was held in December 2008, and served over 500 recipients. The second Abundance Exchange was held a year later and served over 600 recipients.

About 25 volunteers (most from Unity) helped with both events, which was about 50% of Unity's membership. It does not take a megachurch to make a change!

The response from the community both years was positive and very generous — over 100 people brought in donations each year. One couple in 2009, for example, donated a large portion of their household goods as they moved from their home to a smaller home.

What's Next

Given the considerable increase in donations between 2008 and 2009 — donations at least doubled — Unity is anticipating receiving even more donations in 2010. The 2010 Abundance Exchange is currently scheduled to take place September 24 and 25. The organizers hope that holding the event in October (rather than December) will provide warmer weather, an important factor in helping recipients, many of whom waited for hours in very cold weather in 2008 and 2009. Also, this date is only a few weeks after Quincy's city-wide cleanup, and it is hoped that people who are cleaning out their attics and garages will be willing to bring any usable excess goods to the Abundance Exchange.

Abundance Exchange 2010

• September 24 - drop off donations
• September 25 - give away items

What Items Can I Donate?

As in previous years, the organizers will be requesting donations of the following items that are clean and in good condition:

• Winter outerwear - jackets, gloves
• Food (non-perishable)
• Toys
• Christmas decorations
• Household items
• Appliances (in working order)
• Furniture

However, as in previous years, the organizers are asking that donors DO NOT bring in clothing. It takes a great deal of work to sort and display clothing properly! We recommend that you donate clothing items to the Salvation Army.

How Else Can I Help?

If you would like to donate money to USLC to help defer the costs of the event, you may send a check made out to “Unity” to 325 S. 8th Street, Suite I, Quincy, IL 62301-4159. Please note in the check memo or with an accompanying letter that the money is intended for the Abundance Exchange.

If you would like to volunteer, you can call the office at (217) 222-1077 and ask to have your name put on the volunteer list. Volunteers are needed for September 23, 24, and 25.

To see a flyer from 2009, click here.

For more information on the Abundance Exchange, you can call the USLC office at (217) 222-1077.