Lyon establishes Free Store
Published: February 20, 2012
Hallie Rowe folds clothing at the Free Store.
It is not uncommon to see college students wearing shorts in the middle of winter. Some wear them by choice; others struggle financially to afford the basic necessities while already paying for tuition, books and meals.
Lyon College is easing the burden on students by establishing a “Free Store” for students in need of clothing to keep warm this winter.
Administrative Assistant to Student Life Jennifer Pitts said the idea for the Free Store came about when Lyon employees noticed many students not wearing clothing appropriate for cold temperatures.
“We talked about some possibilities of why they may not dress for the weather and really came to the conclusion that the “why” doesn’t matter,” she said. “It just doesn’t matter. If someone needs a coat or gloves or whatever, clothing is something the faculty and staff can supply, and really, what a great way to extend the green movement that is taking place at Lyon.”
Student life staffers began collecting clothing before Christmas break, and stored everything in an office. The donations kept pouring in, and it was apparent the Free Store needed to find a permanent home, Pitts said.
The Free Store recently was moved to the second floor of Brown Chapel.
Pitts said several faculty and staff members have donated items. She said she encourages students to give away any spare clothes, and for students who need anything to check out the Free Store first.
“There isn’t really a particular need,” Pitts said. “If someone is cleaning out their closet and they have items they think students could use, pass them along to us. The long-term goal of the Free Store is to provide a variety of items that students can use. I would particularly ask the students to think about how they will move out at the end of the semester. If anyone has items that could be reused next year, do not throw those things in the trash. Hand them over to the Free Store and we’ll make sure they are available for someone in the fall. What an easy, easy way to be a recycler.”
Pitts said the people making donations often said they loved the idea of things they were getting rid of anyway staying on the campus.
“One faculty member, who had donated quite a bit of clothing, told her sister about the project and a friend of her sister sent gloves and hats,” she said. “I thought that was really indicative of how people feel about helping out students. Faculty and staff work on a college campus because we love being around students. We’re here because of the students and that’s what it is all about. Students seem to be enjoying it. It’s a fun thing to shop at the Free Store, find great clothing and, hey, the price is right.”
The Free Store also houses the Biggest Winner jeans closet and the Career Development Office’s professional clothing closet.
The Biggest Winner weight-loss competition was established to help students, faculty and staff develop healthy eating and exercise habits. Each semester, the participants drop several pounds and clothing sizes. Biggest Winner organizer and Campus Nurse LuAnn Baker created a jeans closet to help participants find jeans that would fit after losing weight.
The Career Development Office also has a clothing closet to help students find professional attire to wear to business functions or job and graduate school interviews.
“The concept is simple, and I want people to think about the life of a material good and how to make the most of it,” Pitts said. “I also want to thank everyone that donated items, provided support, shared great ideas and passed along the word about what we’re trying to do.”
The Free Store is located on the second floor of Brown Chapel in a dressing room and is open 2-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Pitts said students can shop during those hours as well as donate. Pitts said students or faculty and staff members can email her at jennifer.pitts@lyon.edu to make other arrangements if needed. The store is staffed by student Hallie Rowe.