MARQUETTE — The New Free Store is currently celebrating the fifth anniversary of its grand opening. It is a small store with a big purpose. A bit of a back story reveals how a group of determined organizers joined with the community and made it possible for The New Free Store to supplement over 1,175 families in need with some of the basic necessities of living.

In 2014 some members of a local church pledged to help those in the community who were experiencing financial hardship. The group hosted a series of free rummage sales in the basement of their church, which soon became known as “The Free Store”. Organizers sought donations from the community so they could supplement the basic necessities of living, free-of-charge, to as many people with financial difficulties as they could. The group worked tirelessly and formed an all-volunteer non-profit organization, renamed “The New Free Store.” In 2016 the store relocated to a small building in Harvey.

Embracing the philosophy: “In God’s Economy there is always enough,” the store continues its mission to serve those most in need with donated gently used clothing, linens, towels, sheets, blankets and other items to help others lead a healthier life. New personal hygiene and household cleaning products are also given out on a monthly basis that are primarily purchased with grant funds awarded by community organizations. All items in the store are free to the registered participants.