The holiday season is upon us. It’s a time when many of us are caught up in shopping, giving gifts, decorating, and cooking and baking. Paying for holiday activities can add up. For many families, holiday spending can put financial pressure on their budget, especially with the high cost of living.  

The SWCC Free Store in Kalihi makes shopping accessible for those in need – from keiki to kupuna. They can shop for donated clothes, shoes, and household items that are new or gently used. All at no cost. 

“We want to give families the opportunities to fully enjoy the holiday season, not be left behind just because they lack financial resources,” says Joni Chun, executive director of the Susannah Wesley Community Center (SWCC), which operates the Free Store. “It helps families stretch their dollars a little bit more.”

More than a store
The Free Store opened in March. It’s modeled after a 25-year-old Free Store in Columbus, Ohio. More than a thrift shop, the Free Store has a warm gathering space where people can also come to socialize, have refreshments, and browse books. “It’s not just shopping. We’re building community. It’s a space for people to address their basic shopping needs and have the opportunity to talk story and build social bonds.”

Also unlike a usual thrift store, the Free Store pairs patrons with a personal shopper to help guide them with their selections. These personal shoppers are volunteers from schools, churches, business, and community organizations. Shoppers are given a 15-minute shopping window. Since opening in March, the store has served about 2,000 people and has received about 10,000 pounds of items to distribute.

Making connections and a difference
“The Free Store is about making connections, not transactions,” Chun says. “We’re neighbors helping neighbors. We build bridges of compassion, connection, and shared purpose.”

Chun hopes to grow the program to serve more families in the community.

“Everyone, regardless of their social-economic status, deserves dignity,” she says. “Many of them have had hardship or setbacks in their lives. We welcome them with warmth and treat them like family. That simple gesture can make a big difference in their lives.”

The Free Store is generally open on the first Friday of every month from 4 to 7 p.m. and every second Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration is required. Shoppers are allowed 15 minutes to shop with a personal shopper. Call 808-847-1535 or visit their website.

You can help
The Free Store has been a team effort with help from partners including the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Atherton Family Foundation, McInerny Foundation (Bank of Hawaii, Trustee), and the Chinese Christian Association to name a few. The Shoe Palace and Kate Spade Waikele Outlet store have donated items. If you’re a business and would like to help, or if you’re an individual who would like to volunteer or make donations, visit susannahwesley.org or call 808-847-1535.

Jen Gibo, HMSA consumer experience program manager and a SWCC volunteer board member, says volunteering has been a rewarding experience. “It helps me stay grounded and connected to what truly matters in the world,” she says. “It reinforces my belief in serving others because you never know when you might be the one in need. The energy we give back is often returned to us in unexpected ways.”

^{SWCC volunteer board member Jen Gibo.} 

Gibo adds that the need to give is important now more than ever. “In light of our current unpredictable environment, many families are just one paycheck away from facing homelessness or struggling to put food on the table. Every contribution to organizations like SWCC can make a huge impact,” she says.

About Susannah Wesley
The Free Store is located in the Susannah Wesley Community Center, a nonprofit agency in Kalihi-Palama that has been serving the community for more than 125 years. The Center hosts programs for youth, adults, and families – many of whom have immigrated from the Philippines, Samoa, and Micronesia. Here are some of its other programs:

• Food Pantry. Emergency food and diaper assistance are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 2 p.m. Ohana Food Distribution events are held every quarter in partnership with the Hawaii Food Bank. People can choose drive-thru or walk-in service.
• Family Stabilization, Strengthening, and Education Advancement. This program supports families through parenting education, case management, mental health support, and youth enrichment activities that build stability and resilience.
• After-School and Positive Youth Development. Provides safe, structured spaces for youth to receive mentoring, academic support, and leadership opportunities that encourage school success and personal growth.
• Kupuna Korner. Older adults ages 55 and older can participate in events that include arts and crafts, storytelling, planting, lei making, games, dance, and more. Held every Tuesday.

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Photos courtesy Susannah Wesley Community Center

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