The United Methodist Free Store provides clothing and household items to low-income families in a hospitable atmosphere that affirms the self-worth of each individual. The hospitality area offers a safe space where shoppers and volunteers share conversation, life stories, and prayers with the result that lives are changed and community is formed. More than 34,000 families have become members of the Free Store since we opened our doors in January 1999. For every dollar donated to the Free Store nineteen dollars are returned to the community.
Free Store Hours
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10:00 - 1:00
Wednesday and Friday 3:00 - 6:00
If you wish to shop, please arrive a half hour before closing. The Free Store locks the doors 30 minutes prior to closing in order to give final shoppers adequate time to shop.
Ways You Can Participate
- Volunteer: Sorters, counter staff and hospitality hosts are always needed. Contact us to volunteer.
- Earn Community Service Hours: Earn community service hours for court, schools, agencies, or groups.
- Contribute Money: Money is needed for operations and for special events like the Christmas Shop and Back to School.
- Contribute Clothing: Clothing and household goods may be dropped off during Free Store hours at the back door of the store during the following times:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 8:30am- 12:30pm
Wednesday and Friday 1:00pm-5:30pm
Weekly Events
- Dinner is served every Friday afternoon at 4:15 pm
- Breakfast is served every Saturday at 9:15 am
- Other food ministries occur throughout the week, such as Wednesday Sandwiches
- Social Worker and Nursing Services are offered most Wednesdays from 3-4:30pm and Thursdays from 10 -11:30 am
Special Events
Christmas Shop
At the annual Christmas shop, Free Store member parents sign up to "shop" for new free toys and clothing for their children. Over 500 children received gifts for Christmas in 2009. Volunteers from the Church for All People, Free Store and partner churches serve as "Santa's Helpers" for the fun all day event, usually held in early December. Contributions are always needed to ensure that needy children have gifts at Christmas. To find out more, Click here. To see a power point of the 2008 Christmas Shop click here.
Back to School
Back to School days provide free new school supplies, underwear and socks to children from kindergarden through Middle School. Partner churches donate and gather supplies which are distributed at three local elementary schools.
Click Here to Find Out More About the Free Store