JAY — Plans are in the works to reopen The Free Store, previously at Spruce Mountain Middle School, at St. Rose Parish Hall.

Donations will be accepted the next four Sunday mornings to prepare for the grand opening Saturday, March 4.

Middle School teachers Rob and Julie Taylor are working with the St. Rose Parish Social Ministry Commission to provide access to recycled, free clothing. The store will be on the third floor of the Parish Hall.

Rob said in an email that donations will be accepted from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. the next four Sundays, Jan. 22 and 29, and Feb. 5 and 12. Those making donations should enter using the glass doors on the second floor from the rear parking lot, or stop by to see how they can help, he said.

The Free Store will not be open for donations Feb. 19 or 26 because of school vacation week.

Several things are needed to help get The Free Store started. Clean, new or used clothing, outerwear, shoes, boots, clothes hangers, hanging racks, shelving units, tables for display and clothes baskets are on the wish list. 

The grand opening will from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 4. Beginning that day, donations will only be accepted from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays while The Free Store is open. Rob said the focus is on getting materials for the store. More details about the grand opening will be announced later. 

To learn more or to volunteer at The Free Store, contact Rob or Julie Taylor at rtaylor@rsu73.com or jtaylor@rsu73.com, call the St. Rose Parish rectory at 207-897-2173 or stop on the third floor of the Parish Hall during one of the donation drop-off Sundays listed above.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net