ShareSomeSugar.com is a new online community of people seeking to share or borrow items they occasionally need and would rather not buy, from ladders to carpet steamers and party chairs to kayaks. “There’s so much stuff we already own that’s sitting around in our garages collecting dust,” says founder Keara Schwartz. “It feels good to share.” She’s seen firsthand how trust and community ties are strengthened by neighbors helping neighbors.

For those wary of letting just anyone borrow, for example, their sewing machine or pressure washer, the website suggests how users can create sharing groups, based on Facebook friends or email addresses, to collaborate within their already established community.

For others, getting to know new people can be part of the fun.