Give and Take at Media’s Free Store

Media takes thrift store concept to a new level…FREE!

Yes, you heard it right. There’s a FREE STORE in Media (or FreeStore). Everything is free you say? Yes, it’s true, everything. And for anyone who walks through the door.

The Media Free Store is a concept created from a vision of Transition Town Media, a group of neighborhood individuals and businesses that share a common goal.  According to their website, “efforts are designed to help our community become more self-sufficient, economically and socially vibrant, and enriched through personal connection.”

When cleaning out a home or moving, people often don’t want to toss perfectly functional items, but are at a loss with what to do with them. There are the obvious outlets: Salvation Army, Goodwill, Purple Heart etc. But there are a growing number of people who want their belongings to go directly into the hands of people who can use them, without cost, and without the “middleman,” so to speak.

What do you do with your old games, odds and ends of yarn, kitchen equipment and art supplies? The Free Store can help!

It is difficult for me to donate to the Free Store without browsing. One day I dropped off some toys, and a box of recipe cards caught my eye that threw me into a time warp. Long before the internet, I used to love poring over this collection of recipes that were so beautifully photographed. When our family home was sold, I didn’t think to go back and get the cards and I didn’t think about them again it until I saw them on the shelf. What struck me funny was that whoever donated these cards used them about as often as my mother did, because they were in mint condition! I had a silent chuckle about my mother and the cards came home with me. After I’m finished reminiscing, I may even bring them back!

The Free Store is also an excellent place to find odds and ends for an art project. With the Community Art Center right around the corner, donated chipped or broken pottery, yarn and paper are happily scooped up by artists in the community.

Now, don’t you want to run over to see what the FREE STORE has for you? Or better yet, what do YOU have for the FREE STORE?

The Free Store is located at 350 W. State Street in Media.

Hours

• Monday 12pm-4pm
• Tuesday – CLOSED
• Wednesday 4pm-8pm
• Thursday – CLOSED
• Friday 12pm-4pm
• Saturday 10am-4pm
• Sunday 12pm-4pm

Dos & Don’ts

Please note that the FREE STORE is operated entirely by volunteers to help the community, so if you are there donating or shopping, please help out by adhering to a few simple rules. Do bring in your household items, crafts, books, games, knick-knacks and useful items that are in good working order.
If it requires fixing or cleaning, please do not donate–the space is small and the whole point is to donate something people can use.
Absolutely NO DUMPING, a.k.a. leaving items at the door when store is closed.
Unfortunately, food, clothing, mattresses and pillows cannot be accepted.
Food and clothing can be donated at The Food Bank, which is located in the same building, in the basement.

Join in the community and check the Free Store out on Facebook for updates! In addition, the Free Store is hosting its 6th Annual Media Free Market on Sunday, September 17th. Bring something and take something! Being held at Friends Providence Meeting on 105 N. Providence Road in Media from 2pm-5pm!