Community
Free Store welcomes people in from the cold in search of warm bedding and coats
In from the cold in search of warmth.
SUMMERSIDE – Bitter cold and extreme weather has resulted in hundreds of people searching for warm items in Summerside’s Free Store.
Belinda Woods, the owner of the store located at 109 Water Street said, “People may wait an hour or more in the freezing cold for our doors to open. It’s only if you are really in need that you would wait in such extreme temperatures just to be able to come in and get items.”
She continued, “We’ve had up to 100 people out in the cold waiting, and there could be another 100 that come through the store in the hours we are open. There are people out there with children, so it’s very sad because they are freezing.”
Donations the store is most in need of includes blankets, winter coats, and toys for kids – all in good condition.
“The cold must have really inspired people, but what we need right now is good bedding. Every time we finally get our shelves filled they are empty again the very next day. The same with winter coats. I can estimate at least 200 coats have come through and been taken.”
While utility costs are higher this time of year – with heating up, lights on – the Free Store can help lift the financial burden so many don’t have to choose over paying bills or warm clothes.
“I was a single mom before I met my husband, Pat, and I would have loved to have a resource like this store.
“It’s so useful and we make people happy, so who doesn’t want to do that.”
Woods admitted that donations have trickled in from across the Island.
“We have such a wonderful community. We have drop-offs every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and a lady from Vernon Bridge brought items in.
“It was such a lovely surprise. And the volunteers also find it therapeutic to be here. They enjoy helping the community.”
Pat added: “There’s never any judging when you walk through the doors of the store. We don’t check to see your background. The only thing we ask is that items are not to be resold.