About The FreeStore

Opened in late 2011, the FreeStore is a small community cooperative that freely exchanges donated new or pre-used goods among neighbors. With over 1,300 registered shoppers from Nashville and beyond, the FreeStore offers a place for volunteers and shoppers from all walks of life to work together, eat together, and share a variety of useful household goods. Since our founding, more than 300,000 items have circulated through the store. It is open 9 am to 11 pm every Saturday of the month at Project Return, 109 Lafayette St. Nashville, TN 37210.

We are open for donation drop-offs every Friday from 11 am to 2 pm, and every Saturday from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.

Why a FreeStore?

The FreeStore was founded as a space of sharing, centered on the exchange of donated, new, or gently used goods among neighbors. With this central purpose in mind, the FreeStore has three guiding principles:

1) Sharing and Redistribution – While we live in a city with an abundance of material wealth, there is a dramatically unequal distribution of this wealth. There are many that have a hard time gaining access to basic amenities such and household goods. With this in mind, the FreeStore provides a small yet effective way for neighbors to enact an ethic of sharing and redistribution.

2) Collective Participation – The FreeStore strives for the inclusive participation, leadership, and direction of its members. Whether you participate through shopping, donating, volunteering or any combination of these, we want your voice guiding how we do things. Furthermore, the FreeStore is run by member-volunteers.

3) Hospitality – The FreeStore strives to be a welcoming space where the coffee pot is always on and everyone is treated with care and respect. Whether you come to shop, donate, volunteer, or simply enjoy the company of neighbors, all are welcome!

Who are our members?

Since its founding in 2011, the FreeStore’s registered membership has grown to over 1,300, with 70-80 people entering the store every time the doors open. Our membership comprises of folks from all over Nashville (and even a few folks from out of state), but most participating members are from the Edgehill and South Nashville neighborhoods. Many shop at the store for fun and unique items, while others come to us for necessities.

How does shopping work?

All interested persons are invited to shop at the FreeStore. The FreeStore offers household items: dishes, kitchen tools, small appliances, electronics, bedding, kitchen & bath linens, toys, and books, as well as personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies. Shoppers pick a set number of items from a variety of categories, such as up to two home decor items, one pack of diapers, or up to two toothbrushes - we want everyone to take what they need, while ensuring that there’s enough to go around.

WhaT the FreeStore Community Has to SaY:

“The FreeStore means so many things to me. Inclusion, sharing, a place to serve and be served. I never anticipated so much joy! What a blessing.” Debby - Volunteer & Shopper

“The FreeStore means to me to have and get items I need, especially toiletry items that I can’t buy at the moment.  It helps a lot.  If it wasn’t for this store, I would not have certain things that are necessary.” Lena - Shopper

“It means a lot to me to be part of the FreeStore, a place where neighbors and the community gather together and minister to one another. The FreeStore is a blessing.” Janice - Volunteer

“It helps me to get things that I can’t afford and that I need in my home, like lamps, spreads, and dishes. I am thankful to get to help.” Sandra - Shopper

“FreeStore means to me a way to give back to my community but also is a way for the community to give back to me as a volunteer. I have received so much joy getting to talk and eat with shoppers.” Patrick - Volunteer

“I was in need of so many things that I couldn’t afford and this place helped me out. Their good will offerings restored my faith in humanity and showed that this sector of society is not forgotten. It’s a beautiful work and I try to give back as often as I can. I appreciate the care they give to people and the quality of home goods they have.”  Sharon - Shopper

“The FreeStore is synonymous with “connection” for me. I’ve never quite felt the same energy around a sense of community like I have here.” Savannah - Volunteer

Ways to Volunteer:

Fridays (11:00 AM- 2:00 PM)

Help us sort and organize our donations received throughout the week and get set up for our Saturday opening!

Saturdays (8:30 AM-11:30 AM)
Volunteer hosts are needed to welcome guests, register members, guide shoppers, help prepare food, play with the kids, stock the shelves, and run the check-out desk.

View more about our volunteer opportunities and sign up at Hands on Nashville.

INTERESTED IN DONATING?

We would love that! Just a reminder: because we respect the dignity of all who volunteer and shop at The FreeStore, we only accept donations that are new or gently used, unbroken, and clean. We are on-site at 109 Lafayette Street Fridays 11 AM- 2 PM and Saturdays 8:30 AM- 11:30 AM.

Upon or after donation, please complete this form to help us keep track of what items we are receiving, how people in the community are learning about us, and who we are receiving donations from.

Thank you!

In Partnership With: