Dolores Gear Swap Returns, Raises Funds For Substance Free Graduation

Operation Graduation announced on Nov. 11, 2025 that the 26th annual Dolores Ski and Outdoor Gear Swap will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dolores High School. Organizers said consignment drop off is set for Dec. 5, and the swap will accept skis, boots, snowboards, poles, helmets, clothing and other outdoor gear. Proceeds will benefit Operation Graduation, a community sponsored, substance free graduation celebration for Dolores High School seniors.

The event combines practical exchange with community fundraising, offering local families a chance to buy and sell used equipment at lower cost. In a county where the costs of winter sport equipment can put outdoor recreation out of reach for many households, the swap creates an accessible entry point to physical activity and to the social benefits that accompany outdoor participation. Accepting helmets and a broad range of safety gear underscores the event s emphasis on safer recreation for children and adults alike.

Beyond individual households, the swap is a key revenue source for Operation Graduation, a volunteer driven effort that provides a substance free celebration for graduating seniors. Community fundraising remains essential to sustaining that program, and the gear swap is one of the longest running local efforts to keep the senior event funded and inclusive. In a rural county with limited municipal resources for youth programming, local initiatives like this reduce reliance on public budgets while keeping community traditions alive.

There are broader public health and equity implications. Increasing access to affordable gear supports physical activity, which is linked to improvements in mental health and chronic disease prevention. It also addresses inequities that can arise when cost barriers block participation in popular local activities such as skiing and snowboarding. The recycling and reuse model reduces waste and can lower the environmental cost of seasonal sports for families who might otherwise purchase new items.

Organizers provided additional consignor details and a contact address for questions in the event announcement. Community members who want to donate, consign, shop, or volunteer are encouraged to consult the official notice for exact drop off times and procedures. The swap offers a practical, community centered way to support young people, promote safer recreation, and keep dollars circulating locally in Dolores County.