Everything from housewares and clothes to patio furniture and books will be available for no cost at the grand opening of the Long Beach Free Store at the Catalyst Space, 430 E. 1st St., at 7pm on Saturday. Aug. 13.
“The store is part of the culture of collaborative consumption and the gift economy,” said Free Store Founder Sharon Moiseiff.
Free Store shoppers are encouraged to donate three to five small- to medium-sized items during the event (which coincides with the 2nd Saturday Artwalk in the East Village), and take home new treasures. Anyone is welcome at the Free Store, even if they have nothing to donate.
“The maximum one person can bring is 10 easy-to-carry items,” Moiseiff said.
Moiseiff has been active in the “freeconomy” since she began organizing free swaps of clothing, accessories, and household items with a few friends in a back yard two years ago. When looking for places to host the growing swaps for free or low cost, Moiseiff found her way to the Catalyst Network, a Long Beach nonprofit that has been building community connections and nurturing relationships in grassroots efforts since 2006.
“The [swaps] are a way for people to come together and get to know each other,” said Moiseiff. “The Free Store grew out of the generosity of Catalyst members in providing a space for the sharing of resources. In the future, we hope to have enough interest, participation, and items to have a standalone storefront. Having the free store concept grow in other communities is another goal.”
Volunteers are needed and can earn time-banking hours through Catalyst’s partnership with the Long Beach Time Exchange. Moiseiff said business sponsors are welcome to contribute their support in exchange for promotion through the Catalyst Network.
“The Free Store is a mutually beneficial starting point for a conversation about meeting people’s needs, regardless of their culture or socioeconomic status,” Moiseiff said. “All are welcome to give and receive— we need customers as much as we need donations so that the goods are reused in the community.”
For more information, visit lbfreestore.com, call (562) 628-1100, or email freestore@gocatalyst.org.
