ECCO Expands ‘Free Store’
East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) will open its newly expanded free store on Wednesday, August 1. Hours of operation will be from 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. The ‘Free Store’ is a ministry where ECCO gives away donated clothing, books, toys and household items to those in our community who live in situational or generational poverty. Clients may shop as often as once a week.
Jack Little, ECCO’s executive director says, “We are expanding from 150 square feet to over 1600 square feet. This change will allow our clients to choose from the great selection of items donated by our community. Our community is so generous in donating usable clothing and quality household items which may be used by others. Providing this expanded opportunity is a true demonstration of what ECCO stands for: serving our clients in need with dignity and worth. We want to make people feel appreciated no matter what their economic situation is.”
As this expansion takes place, it will call for more volunteers. “We need store workers to assist the clients in their selections, stocking the shelves and racks and organizing the clothing. We need people who work well with people as this expanded ministry will be built on relationships,” says Jan England, ECCO’s Volunteer Coordinator.
Little said, “The community has been closely involved in the expansion. Susan McWaters and Eric Drinkwater from Belk visited ECCO and developed a plan for maximizing the space with the ECCO staff. The hanging racks were installed and the walls were painted by employees of BenefitFocus. Shelves and racks were donated by Food Lion and Belk. We are so grateful that we are a community that gives so freely.”
ECCO is dediacated to helping those in East Cooper who live in situational and generational poverty. Services include clothing, food, emergency financial assistance and counseling. Health related services include a prescription assistance program, a dental and a medical clinic. All services are provided at no cost to the client.