01/07/2026
Beginning this month, we’ll be making a few adjustments to the shopping guidelines at The Store. We’ve learned a lot since opening a few years ago, and sometimes a little structure can be helpful 😊
We’ve been struggling to keep enough inventory on hand, especially children’s clothing. Each year, we receive hundreds of donation bags, and despite trying many different approaches, we haven’t been able to make the inventory last.
My goal has always been to meet the needs of our community, and even four years in, that continues to be a challenge. I want to ensure there is enough available for everyone. I like the environment of the shop and prefer not to closely monitor baskets or strictly limit item counts. With that in mind, my aim is to make the smallest possible changes while improving the sustainability of our inventory.
Starting in January 2026, each household will be allowed to shop at The Store up to six times per calendar year. I’ll take your name at the door and keep track of your visit dates, letting you know how many visits you have remaining—similar to a punch card system, just without the card.
Additionally, the “one laundry basket per household” rule will remain in place. However, baskets should be filled level, not overflowing. An overfilled basket is essentially more than one basket, and we want to keep it fair for everyone.
Making rules doesn’t come easily for me, but these changes are necessary to ensure The Store remains sustainable. I’m deeply grateful that God has placed me in a position to offer a space like this, and my hope is to continue serving the community for many years to come.
Thank you so much for your understanding, it means more than you know.
~Erin 🩷