The United Methodist Free Store provides clothing and household items to families in need 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

Starting September 1st, Wednesday Free Store Hours will change to 1:00 - 4:00 pm

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.

Due to space constraints, we are not accepting any winter clothing at this time.
       We apologize for any inconvenience.

 Ways You Can Participate

• Volunteer as sorters, counter staff and hospitality hosts. Contact us to volunteer. 
   
• Community Service opportunities available for Work Experience Program, court, schools, or agencies.
   
• Charitable Contributions are needed for operations and for special events. All monetary donations are used to fund special events (outreach) such as Back to School and Christmas Shop.
   
• Donate clothing and household goods. Items can be dropped off  in the rear of the store during Free Store hours:

               Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday  8:30am- 12:30pm

               Wednesday and Friday  1:00pm-5:30pm

We would like to extend a heart felt thank you to Church of the Master for having a baby shower in honor of UMFS. Your generosity and support of the Free Store is greatly appreciated.

We would also like to thank Livingston Ave UMC and the Council of Bishops for providing the healthcare kits.

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 kindergarten through Middle School. Partner churches donate and gather supplies which are distributed at three local elementary schools.