relief ,” Hopson explains . “ We ’ re all one crisis away from falling into a desperate situation .”
Sometimes shoppers need to replace belongings lost in a house fire . In another case , someone might just need clothes to prepare for a job interview . “ Whatever the problem , we try our best to solve it ,” Hopson says . Shoppers can take home up to 10 items , excluding books , although they can take more if they help sort and stock donations for an hour . Hopson notes that toiletries , including diapers , are the most popular items . The free store organized a toiletry drive for Valentine ’ s Day . It does not accept bedding , cribs , car seats , furniture , bath towels or soiled / damaged clothing . The free store needs more donations , volunteers and a metal bin so that donations can be accepted outside of normal business hours .
The demand has been overwhelming and Hopson wants to expand by creating satellite stores and pop-up shops for single moms and students . There ’ s no timeline to do so yet , and more volunteers are needed .
“ People can volunteer one hour , one day , or a week — every minute matters ,” Hopson adds .
The free store also includes a resource table that provides information on a wide variety of community resources . Cribs for Kids has been the most popular resource , because the free store serves several pregnant women and new mothers .
The community center also houses several other organizations including Head Start classes and a branch of the Penn Hills Library . Hopson says the free store is collaborating with them to create classes on financial literacy , cooking and computers .
Recently , Allegheny County Council Vice President Nicholas Futules presented a proclamation honoring the free store for its impact on the community .
For more information , go to facebook . com / FreeStorePennHills online . n
" It makes us remember the Golden Rule and treat others how we would want to be treated ."
Love Your Neighbor
Penn Hills | Spring 2017 | icmags . com 15