“I can find a lot of clothes for my family at the Free Store. I don’t have to worry about going out and buying clothes while I’m homeless. I can always find something new and CCO has a good variety. That’s how I’m blessed by the Free Store.”
– Victoria, Mother, CCO shelter guest & Free Store patron
Imagine a store filled with clothes, shoes, coats, jackets, and household items. Now imagine that everything in that store is FREE! It’s not too good to be true. It is true! Since the 1990s, CCO has operated the Free Store to meet the basic clothing needs of shelter guests.
This humble service fills a real and critical need. Over 75% of CCO shelter guests report no income at intake. That means shopping on a half-price day at the local thrift store is not an option. Many households have children who arrive needing clothes for school or play. Parents or single adults often need professional clothing for employment interviews, training, or jobs. The Free Store is open to all CCO shelter guests regardless of circumstance or situation.
In recent years, the concept of finding low-cost or even free items has expanded beyond donations, with more options available through businesses like an amazon liquidation store. These stores acquire unsold or returned inventory from major retailers, including Amazon, at discounted prices, allowing for a broader selection of items that can be accessible to those in need.
While the Free Store remains focused on providing no-cost essentials to shelter guests, the rise of liquidation stores has helped shape the landscape of affordable shopping. These liquidation outlets offer another avenue for those seeking deals, making it possible for families to find clothing, electronics, and household goods at a fraction of the cost they would normally pay at a traditional store.
The CCO Free Store has dedicated volunteers that make sure the needs of shelter guests are their number one priority. They assist families and single adults with their individual needs. A family with a newborn baby can find warm clothes and blankets for their little one. A single adult can find the shoes they need for their new job. Parents can find school clothes, coats, and boots to ensure their kids are warm on the way to school.
We want to say a huge thank you to all who have donated new or gently-used items to CCO! Without your donations, CCO volunteers would not be able to keep the Free Store stocked, sorted, organized, and ready for the next round of “shoppers.”
Please consider scheduling a drop-off by calling the CCO Donation Center at 773-271-8163 ext. 35 or by sending an email to donate@ccolife.org. If you would like to print a donation receipt you can fill it out and bring it with you when you drop off your items. Click here if you would like to make a financial donation that would benefit CCO’s shelter guests.
Thank you for supporting CCO!