Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to jump to the answer.

What are the rules?
Why must I post an item to give first?
Is there a minimum age?
How do I sign up?
Can I change my user name after registration?
How do I post an item to give away?
How do I request an item that is listed?
Is it safe to meet people for a giveaway?
What if I don’t see a category for what I need or want to share?
What if I don't have anything to give away?
Do people who really need free stuff have internet access?

What are the rules? | Back to top
There are five simple rules for participating in twoshirts.org:

1. Your first post must be an item to give.

2. You must post at least one item to give away in order to claim items on twoshirts.org. The more items you give, the longer your account stays active.

3. Everything must be free: no products, marketing materials, or solicitations of any kind.

4. No stolen or illegal items, no weapons or firearms of any kind.

5. No profane items, or disrespectful comments or discussions. Just be respectful and courteous and you'll be fine. : )

Why must I post an item to give first? | Back to top
We believe very strongly that everybody has something to give. Twoshirts is an attempt to cultivate an community of generosity, which means everyone must participate in the giving. Participation by everyone is healthy, affirming, and builds trust in the community. You're not expected to give according to the market value of what you recieve, only according to what you have extra.

Is there a minimum age? | Back to top
All Twoshirts participants must be at least 18 years of age or older. When you register for your free twoshirts account, you stipulate that you meet this requirement by agreeing to the Twoshirts Terms and Conditions.

How do I sign up? | Back to top
Click here to register, it's free, and only takes a minute or two. Create a username and password which you'll use to log into twoshirts.org. You'll also be asked to fill out a simple user profile so other twoshirts members know a little bit about you. We encourage you to post something to give away immediately after registering, as this ensures that your account is fully active and you'll be able to use all the features of twoshirts.org.

Can I change my user name after registration?| Back to top
You have two names for your account: your "user name" which is what you'll need to login to the site, and your "profile name" which appears on your public profile. Once you've registered for your account you cannot change your user name because it is tied directly to all transactions you engage in. In order to maintain an accurate account of all your giveaways and met needs this name must remain constant. However, you may change your profile name as often as you like.

How do I post an item to give away? | Back to top
First, click here to sign-up. It’s free, we will never spam you or sell your information to anyone, ever. Once you are a twoshirts member, you can post items and claim items from the my twoshirts or items pages. If you need step-by-step instructions you can read them by clicking here and going to the instructions page. We’ll walk you through every step.

How do I request an item that is listed? | Back to top
Simply click the “request” button at an item’s listing page. This will take you to a simple e-mail contact form that you'll need to fill out. This will send an e-mail to the owner, who will respond to you directly. Once you have connected, it’s up to the two of you to make the exchange. Simply work out the details for meeting and exchanging privately. This is a great chance to meet someone new!

Is it safe to meet people for a giveaway? | Back to top
In hundreds of giveaways we’ve never had a single dangerous incident. However, there certainly are people in the world who may not be safe, so it’s best to take common-sense precautions whenever connecting with a stranger. Here are some recommended guidelines:

1. Never divulge personal contact information such as home phone, address, social security number, credit card information, etc.

2. Arrange to meet in a safe, neutral, public place. Meet at a church or park, or shopping area close enough to be convenient for both of you.

3. Don’t go alone. Take someone with you just to be safe.

What if I don’t see a category for what I need or want to share? | Back to top
Post it in the next closest category. Then, contact us and recommend we start a new category. We do this all the time in order to make the site more user friendly. Or, go to the “discussion” forums and make a suggestion.

What if I don't have anything to give away? | Back to top
Everybody has something to give. Nobody is completely impoverished; nobody as a person has nothing to offer. If fact, when we treat those with little money and material possessions as though they have nothing we exclude them from humanity and debilitate their role in the community. We believe allowing everyone to participate in the twoshirts community promotes dignity, responsibility, and inclusion.

The key is to think differently about what you have to give. If you need a bicycle, don't worry about giving something that is equal to the worth of a bicycle, just give whatever you have. In the twoshirts community worth isn't determined by market value, it's determined by each person's needs.

So, what do you have? What kind of possessions, big or small; what kind of knowledge, expertise, or service can you offer? Everybody has needs, and somebody needs what you have to offer.

Do people who really need free stuff have internet access? | Back to top
Twoshirts isn't simply an outreach to the poor. We’re trying to create a community of generosity that inspires all kinds of people to live a life of generosity whether they're wealthy, middle class, or poor. As such, there are many gifts on twoshirts that aren’t for desperate people trying to meet desperate needs. We think that's good and healthy for the community.

However, in a group of people who are committed to practicing such open generosity it only stands to reason that the poorest among them would benefit the most. We think such a community will be far more effective at meeting the needs and raising the standard of living for the poorest among them.

Furthermore, in the United States the overwhelming majority of people have access to the internet. Anyone can walk into a public Library and surf the internet for free. For those few who genuinely have no means, there's nothing keeping someone else from utilizing twoshirts on their behalf. In fact, Twoshirts is all about trying to connect people in relationships. So, get involved in a local shelter. Find out what the poorest people in your communities really need - then use twoshirts to help them out.

Finally, Twoshirts Groups were created to help people becomes active in their towns to combat poverty directly. Start, or join, a Twoshirts Group in your area and get involved in the lives of people who need help in order to make a difference.

Click here to sign-up!
Click here to read the instructions!
Click here to start a group!