Erie Free Store: 10th Anniversary!

I have been lucky to serve as the Coordinator of Erie Free Store since it was founded in 2016.  In this entirely volunteer role, I've had the opportunity to see the best in people and to help people when they need it most.  

Over the past 10 years, we have met an extraordinary number of people.  Recently, we are serving over 110 adults (plus their children) each week--and we are only open for 2.5 hours.  Each person visits the store for their own reason and they may visit one time, or monthly, or every 6 months. Whatever their reason is, the volunteers and donors of Erie Free Store have worked to try to meet their need.  
Recent updates to Erie Free Store include: 
-Hanging clothing on racks, by size, for ease of shopping

- keeping diapers in stock for babies in need

- Using grant funds from the Sisters of Mercy to build a she-shelf providing pads, tampons, pregnancy tests, and more to women. 

-Partnership with Lake Erie Food Rescue to provide rescued food items for shoppers

-donations from Bombas which provides socks, which we share throughout the community.

It doesn't cost a lot to keep Erie Free Store open, thanks to our partnership and space within Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church.  We have set the $10,000 goal this year (our 10th anniversary) as we have continued to grow and are uncertain what the future holds. As we have seen unmet needs within our shoppers, we have used current funds to supplement our supplies.  

Recent purchases from Erie Free Store: 

- Clear backpacks, wired headphones for students

- Pads, tampons and feminine products (with grant from Sisters of Mercy)

- Fans to keep cool in summer heat

- Coats and blankets for winter supply

- nonperishable foods to supplement SNAP shortages

- deodorant, personal care products

- underwear

- event support: National Night Out, Free-ster dinner, Trunk or Treat and holiday gift events

Whatever your reason for supporting Erie Free Store, please know that your donation is greatly appreciated.  Time, talent and treasure are each a part of making the Erie Free Store a success in the Erie community for the past 10 years and all of the years to come.