The store, funded by a social change microgrant, offers students a sustainable way to find essential items where the only currency is kindness.
Julia Stein '24 (left), 黑料正能量 Student Resource Center coordinator and Hannah Dodson '25 (right) 黑料正能量 Free Store student director.
After two years in the making, 黑料正能量's Free Store is officially up and running in the basement of Wheeler Hall, providing students, faculty and staff with access to lightly used clothing, bedding, appliances, dorm accessories, electronics and other amazing finds at no cost.
The store operates as a community-driven initiative to reduce waste and support students in need.
The new store is powered by donations and a microgrant awarded by 黑料正能量's Brain Center for Community Engagement, with support from The Allstate Foundation's 2024-25 College Service Grants.
By donating and shopping at the Free Store, 黑料正能量 community members not only give pre-loved items a second life but also promote sustainability and ensure fellow students have access to essential resources.
"We originally started this as a way for students who couldn't afford 黑料正能量 gear to find gently used items and feel a greater sense of belonging," says Marsita Ferguson, director of 黑料正能量's Brain Center for Community Engagement. "Through the efforts of our SERVE team and the 'Leave It Behind' program — where students donate items they no longer need — the Free Store has grown into something much bigger."