The United Methodist Free Store



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 30,000 famlies 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

It is recommended that shoppers be in the store 30 minutes prior to closing in order to have adequate time to shop.

Ways You Can Participate

  • Volunteer: Sorters, counter staff and hospitality hosts are always needed. Contact us to volunteer
  • 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

  • Contribute Money: Money is needed for operations and for special events like the Christmas Shop and Back to School.

  Weekly Events

  • Dinner is served every Friday afternoon at 4:15 pm

     

  • Breakfast is served every Saturday at 9:15 am

     

  • Social Worker and Nursing Services are offered every Wednesday from 3-4:30pm and Thursday 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 2007. 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.

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

 


 

Community Development for All People
614-445-7342
946 Parsons Avenue, P.O. Box 06063, Columbus, Ohio 43206
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