The Free Store annual drive to replenish resources for winter distributions of essential hygiene and first aid items for neighbors in need continues through Christmas Eve at Starbucks on 103rd and Longwood Drive. Stop into Starbucks and choose an ornament with needed items listed, then purchase those items and return to Starbucks by Dec. 24.
The Free Store is operated by Turpin Cares, a local not-for-profit organization. Volunteers will also host a drive-through collection of gently used holiday decorations, supplies, and gifts as well as gift cards and monetary donations Sat., Dec. 3. 9 to 11 a.m., Morgan Park Presbyterian Church parking lot, 110th Place at Longwood Drive.
Items from these collections will be given away to neighbors at the Free Store distributions on Wed., Dec. 7 and 21, and through the winter.
The Turpin Cares Free Store was started in 2020 in response to the pandemic. As of fall 2022, the store has distributed over 70,000 items and supported nearly 3,700 households in the Beverly/Morgan Park area. Distributions are on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, 11056 S. Longwood Dr. Info: turpincares@gmail.com.
