A free community store is returning to help local families find clothing, household items and other essentials at no cost.
The Free Store will be held October 16th and 17th at Huron Shores United Church, with volunteers setting up the day before.
This year’s event will focus mainly on fall and winter items according to one of the organizers, Ruth Ann Eagleson.
There will also be a Christmas table and, depending on donations, items such as Halloween costumes.
Organizer Joanne Barry reminds everyone that everything at the Free Store is completely free.
Barry say the event is about more than giving away items. It is also about reusing things that still have plenty of life left in them and keeping them out of the landfill.
Many of the items come from people who are downsizing or simply have things they no longer need. Those items can then find a new home with someone who can use them.
Eagleson says people travel from communities across the area to attend.
She says the need in the community continues to be strong, and the Free Store can help people who may be going through a difficult time or simply need something they cannot afford to buy.
The event has also created some memorable moments for volunteers. One Eagleson remembers bringing in a bread maker she no longer used, only to see another person excitedly discover it after her own bread maker had broken.
Barry and Eagleson are also looking for volunteers to help set up, run the event and clean up afterward. High school students can also volunteer toward their community service hours.
They say volunteers are an important part of making the Free Store possible, and anyone who wants to help is welcome to get involved.
The Free Store will run Friday, October 16th from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 17th from 9 a.m until 2 p.m.
