When it comes to social media sites like Facebook, much can be said for its negative influence on people’s lives, or the disconnect that its actually causing. On the flip side, platforms like these can also be a vital tool for small communities to work together and help out neighbors and friends.

That’s what St. Regis resident Sandra Connor has experienced. Before moving home to Montana, Connor lived in Washington and found countless community support groups on Facebook. “Where I was previously located there were so many Free, "Pay it Forward" and "Buy Nothing" groups at my fingertips. And I didn't see those kinds of options here. So, I thought it would be a great idea to start one, so I did,” she exclaimed.

Connor is married and has three young children, for their family the little town of St. Regis was the perfect fit. She shared, “We like how small and convenient this cute town was.” The only thing missing was that comradery of helping others, and finding ways to pay it forward like she had enjoyed doing elsewhere.

“I found a group very similar to this one. I participated, appreciated, and saw so many families get blessed by others,” expressed Connor. So that became her mission once her family settled in to this end of Mineral County. She set out to organize and arrange a Facebook page for local residents.

Connor explained, “I want to have the official name to be "Buy Nothing - St. Regis". And I will be accepting requests to join from Superior and DeBorgia area. On the website, anyone who is a part of the group can post anything from household knickknacks, old garage tools, furniture, or if you’re like me, any items you have stored and have totally forgotten about.”

She intends to keep it to the close surrounding towns of St. Regis. Connor noted, “Not everyone has reliable transportation, and if we keep it to our neighbors, we can all help build our community.”

In addition to posting daily or weekly items that people want to pass on to others, Connor is also working to provide free clothing events. She said, “For the clothing drives I would like to do once a month, maybe every other month? Whether that’s rotating women’s clothing one month, children’s the next and then men. Or all at once?” She is exploring possible locations for the clothing drives, such as the St. Regis Community Park, during warmer weather, or even the Community Center.

Currently Connor is a one-woman team. Recently she was gifted with ten large bags of gently used clothes from the Women in Timber Thrift store in Superior. These were donations that the store simply didn’t have room for, so they generously offered them for Connors endeavors.

“I'm doing ok at the moment with processing. I need help getting the word out. And I need more people to take clothes. I honestly have so many. I have a garage full of processed clothes that need a home,” stated Connor.

It’s a lot of work for one person, Connor added, “It is just me at this time with and a pat on the back for support of my family.”

But she is motivated to keep the group going, and see it become a blessing that grows with time in this area of Mineral County. Connor shared, “By offering this as a free service it gives you the ability to impact a larger part of our community.

Especially since this pandemic took so many jobs, people may or may not be recovering from that. Being able to give them clothes, bedding and other needs without cost can greatly improve their lives without sacrificing or affecting their budgets.”

For those in need of clothing this winter, or know of someone who might need a helping hand you can reach out to Sandra Connor on Facebook Messenger. Or you can call or text her at (206) 601-3926.

In the future Connor hopes to possibly have once a month clothing giveaways at the St. Regis Community Center if space is available.