Many families struggle to make ends meet. According to the US census, the poverty rate among Americans has risen to 11.5%, meaning over 37 million people are unable to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing and personal care products. Stroll Laurel View resident Madison Shtur recognized this need in our community and founded the Free-Op Community Store to address it.

Free-Op Community Store is a non-profit thrift store that offers essential items such as clothing, home goods, personal care products, children’s products, diapers and a food pantry among other services. The store operates on a unique “Pay-What-You-Can” model so that families don’t have to go without.

“I had been thinking about our mission for a few years, trying to figure out how to use my passion and my strengths for the good of others,” Madison says. “Then, Free-Op was born and incorporated in May of 2023. We opened our doors in Jeannette on December 18, 2023 and I have been running the store since.”

Free-Op is run by Madison and her family along with volunteers. They accept donations from the community and organize their inventory for customers to shop three to four days per week.

“I know that I have the privilege and ability to operate an organization such as Free-Op, so why not do something meaningful?” Madison says. “I have always cared that my donations go somewhere that will make an impact on a struggling family. And I also know that all families and individuals deserve to have their basic needs met.”

Stigma and shame often cloud families in poverty, but Madison wants to change this. Instead of worrying where their next meal will come from or how they’ll get their children new school clothes, Free-Op addresses these needs and helps empower local families to thrive even when times are tough.

“People are able to come in to a safe space, shop for what they need, and pay what they can afford—all free from judgment,” Madison says. “At Free-Op, we know that all kids deserve clean clothes that fit. Everyone should have shampoo, a toothbrush and clean underwear. New parents shouldn't have to worry about running out of diapers or formula. No one should go hungry in order to pay their power bill or rent. Basic needs are such a small aspect of what it takes to thrive. With so many barriers to overcome when a family is struggling, basic needs can sometimes get pushed aside as less of a priority. Free-Op is here to provide easy access to those essentials in a judgement-free space."

Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Free-Op Community Store through Venmo at @MadisonShtur, Cash App at $MadisonShtur, Zelle at freeopstore@gmail.com, by cash or check. Free-Op also accepts clean and smoke-free item donations on an as-needed basis. Please visit freeopcommunitystore.com or @freeopcommunitystore on social media for information about needed donations. Hours change regularly and are available online.