Civic Media Center hosts free pop-up store

Voleer Thomas
·2 min read

Donations from the community helped increase the accessibility of necessities for residents to use with the help of a store.

The Gainesville Free Store project hosted its November Pop-Up Free Store on Nov. 20 at the Civic Media Center located 433 S. Main St.

Gainesville Free Store is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization that holds monthly pop-up, resource-sharing events where people can give and receive clothing, household goods, toiletries, small appliances, knickknacks and other items — all for free.

November’s pop-up free store was the second time the group held it indoors at the CMC since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elliot Farley, one of the free store organizers, said he is the former president of Alachua TranQuility which is a transgender community group helping to improve the lives of its members.

Farley said he worked closely with organizers of the free store at the time and wanted to continue being a part of its legacy after his term.

“I still wanted to keep the connection even though it was a large task to take on,” Farley said. “I love being a part of this because people can come and find things they need.”

With the help of organizers J.D. Schmidt and Karrie Kay, Farley said they host the free store every third Saturday of the month.

“We see new people come out often,” Farley said. “I see them carrying large bags — that alone is great to see.”

He said they would like to have more volunteers and more clean donations of toiletries, toys, makeup, blankets, appliances and clothes, especially plus-size clothing

People shop at the Gainesville Free Store at the Civic Media Center located sat 433 S. Main St. on Nov. 20. The store is open every third Saturday of the month and features clothing, household goods, toiletries, small appliances, knickknacks and other items — all for free.
People shop at the Gainesville Free Store at the Civic Media Center located sat 433 S. Main St. on Nov. 20. The store is open every third Saturday of the month and features clothing, household goods, toiletries, small appliances, knickknacks and other items — all for free.

“We would like this to be more popular,” Farley said. “I have found this and have been aware about this ever since and helped.”

Farley also mentioned that the CMC hosts a Free Food Store on Tuesdays at 2 p.m.

Items such as produce, meat, dairy and bread are available to the public..

CMC volunteer Antonio Kyriazis said he loves seeing the community come together to assist those who need help.

“It is free for anyone regardless of background, race or creed,” Kyriazis said. “Anyone should have access to necessities. It is a basic human right. This is why I try to help.”

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Civic Media Center hosts free pop-up store