SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — As winter draws near, so does the need for warmth.
Nowhere is that need more apparent than at the Free Store in Summerside, which opened its doors in 2016 and has since become a go-to place for many families across P.E.I. – especially for winter items.
Belinda Woods, owner and operator of the Free Store, said many donations of winter materials come in around this time of year.
Woods said the store works purely off donations and all items are free, so long as the person is in need.
“We don’t judge anyone who wants to come here. My only condition is that they don’t sell anything they take. I know people can have a nice car and be totally broke. I know people can have a nice home and be house-poor. So, if they feel they’re in need, they can come in.”
Woods and her volunteers have packed up this season’s wares into storage for next summer and are now unloading winter supplies for the public, with the coats and the blankets expected to be the first to go.
“We get several hundred winter coats, all sizes. It’s incredible how quickly we go through them. There are usually none left when the warm season comes by. We also go through bedding and blankets a lot; people can’t pay for their heat.”
During December, Woods holds a special shopping trip for those who need it most.
“We save anything with new tags on them, and we partner with the local family violence prevention group for all the parents that are really struggling, and we open the store for them to pick through those things for Christmas gifts.”
With the cold weather on its way, some groups are doing their best to help the Free Store prepare for the influx of winter wear needs.
Dorothy Fry, a new resident of Summerside, has recently joined a knitting group at the Summerside Rotary Library.
Although she’s only been with the group for a short time, Fry said the knitters will be working toward making a variety of knitted goods for the store.
“We decided to knit what we can. Hats, mittens, scarves, those sorts of things. Just to help with what we have. I used to do the same with the group when I lived in Ontario, and it’s always a nice feeling to give back to our community.”
Fry said she contacted Woods to see what the store could use and asked what the group could make for people who’ll need it the most.
“Knitters are people who love to make things, they don’t always have places to give their things. I contacted Belinda because we know winter is coming, and there are many people who will have to walk.”
Fry said she always encourages people to give their donations to the Free Store.
“People are gracious to give, but sometimes don’t always know what’s out there. In Summerside, there is a need and it’s not really talked about. But I have a big mouth and I don’t mind telling people what I think is a worthy cause,” said Fry, with a laugh.
"It's just little things like that can help in the long run.”
For more information about the Free Store, visit its Facebook page at: facebook.com/summersidefreestore or at its location: 109 Water St., Summerside.
