Dear Friends,
WE’RE BACK! We’ve got an idea, and we’d love your help! We’re calling it "Extras." You know how, after a party, holiday gathering or season, you often end up with leftover decorations or disposable items like a few extra forks, plates, or even a banner from that 50th birthday party? Some of you might save those extras for future events, but many of us (no judgment!) toss them out.
Introducing our new initiative “EXTRAS”: Reuse, Reimagine, and Recreate Party Decorations!
We’re excited to launch a community-driven project that collects leftover decorations—whether it's plates, banners, napkins, or streamers—anything from birthday bashes, holiday get-togethers, or any celebration. We’ll take these odds and ends, and with a little creativity, transform them into new, unique sets ready for another round of festivities.
Instead of throwing those items away, consider giving them to Small Changes ATX. Over the next 6-12 months, we’ll be collecting these leftover items, bundle them into sets, and either sell them at a deep discount or donate them to people in need. It’s a small way to give those extras a second life, and we’d love for you to be part of it!
How It Works:
Donate your leftover decorations. No item is too small! From one plate to an extra string of lights, we’ll find a way to reuse it. See example of donation items below and contact smallchangesatx@gmail.com to donate
We reassemble the donations into fresh, cohesive sets. Whether it’s a full party kit or a fun DIY mix, we ensure that everything gets a second life.
You (or others) reuse them! Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a themed party, our upcycled sets will be available for free or at a minimal cost to keep the cycle going.
Why This Matters:
By giving party decorations a second life, we reduce waste, lower the demand for new materials, save money, and foster a sustainable community. It’s a simple yet impactful way to celebrate while caring for the environment.
Get Involved:
Have leftover decorations? Contact us at smallchangesatx@gmail.com to arrange a donation.
Looking for party supplies? Reach out to see what fun sets or individual items we have available.
This is an idea we’re excited to try out, and we’d love your support to see how it works*. If the response is good, we’ll keep it going and expand. Let’s work together to make celebrations a little greener and a lot more creative.
*We are trying this out locally (in Austin) first, but if you live outside of Austin and would like to mail donations, at your own expense, we are happy to take them.
If you have any questions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you! And with Halloween right around the corner, if you have decorations in good condition that you’re planning to toss after the holiday, we’d be happy to take them off your hands.
With gratitude,
Small Changes ATX, Jenn Lazarus & Lainie Polland, smallchangesatx@gmail.com
Examples of Donation Items - We accept just about anything related to celebrations! If you have something that’s not on our list, feel free to reach out, and we’ll let you know if we can take it. All items should be clean and in good condition. We gladly accept both reusable and disposable items.
Utensils
Plates, bowls, cups
Tablecovers, placemats, napkins, etc.
Party decorations (ex. Centerpieces, backdrops, banners, etc.)
Party favors
Seasonal decor
Entertaining supplies (ex. Serving pieces, platters, etc.)
Unused, not blown up balloons
Cake and cookie decorating supplies
Candles - decorative or birthday
Lights