Free Store At Forest Grove

On October 4 Forest Grove Community Church opened the doors of the “FGCC Free Store.” The “Free Store” provides food, clothing, and a lunch for anyone in need. 

While planning for this event we prayed for the right amount of donations, volunteers, and guests. The Lord answered in an amazing way (with a slight over-abundance of donations).

It was amazing to see our church donate so generously. For the month of September, we asked our congregation to donate “clean and modern” clothing, and non-perishable food. By the end of the month, we ended up with so many clothes that the rack we used to hang items came crashing down off the wall. Fortunately, no one was injured but we had hundreds of clothing items and hangers that needed to be picked up. Even after distributing clothes to over 30 families we still have many items left that will be used next time. 

Our volunteers also arrived and stepped up in amazing ways. A new attendee to our church dropped off clothing and stayed to sort clothes right away. When our guests arrived they were paired with someone from our church who could assist them in finding what they needed and carry their good. One volunteer responded to a guest who showed up an hour early by providing a chair, cup of coffee, and conversation. Another volunteer offered to drive a guest home and was invited in for coffee.  Relationships were built with our community, and each person was able to serve in an area of gifting.

Our guests were so appreciative what they received. One mom was in tears that she could provide good clothing for her teenage kids. Another mom loudly proclaimed, “Praise Jesus” when we gave her a car seat liner for her baby. We also had tables of pasta, soup, cereals, and other canned items that were distributed. Parents were able to treat their kids with food they wouldn’t normally be able to purchase- a box of Fruit Loops was one of the first items to go. 

After shopping our guests were invited to stay for lunch and continue to chat with their new friends. Many stuck around and enjoyed building relationships with people from their community. We had a prayer table where guests were prayed for and encouraged.  God heard our prayers and responded with the perfect mix of donations, volunteers, and guests. The day was a great success.

It’s interesting how God often speaks to children first. Throughout the summer, well before this idea was shared with our congregation, a young boy from our church who lives only a few blocks away told his mom that he wanted to open a “Free Store” in the Forest Grove neighborhood so that people could come receive food and clothing for free. When this boy’s mom heard what our church was doing she saw it as an immediate answer to their prayer. The young boy was able to be part of the planning of the day, and was a big part of the promotion of the event.