The Free Market is busier than ever as the holidays approach! We are putting out Christmas decorations and housewares until they are all gone—lights, ornaments, tree stands, artificial trees (although they go quickly), Christmas-themed mugs, dishes, figurines, and more!
Our big holiday bash was a one-day Free Gift Shop in downtown Independence on December 7th. All year we had saved new and like-new items that would make nice gifts; we moved them to the Grayson LandCare office on Courthouse Drive and transformed it into a gift extravaganza!
From 9-12, only children could shop for up to five gifts and have them wrapped. One grateful mother posted on our Facebook page, “My kids where so happy to be able to ‘shop’ for family members. Thank you so much for helping make Christmas extra special for them!” The elves/volunteers were kept very busy wrapping presents, even calling in reinforcements and running to the Dollar Store for more supplies. “Was drafted away from my Farmers Market stall to help wrap gifts when the line got long. I loved it. What a wonderful event for the community. So many happy faces. The kids were especially cute but the adults touched my heart with their smiles and happiness when they found a gift for someone special to them. The Christmas spirit is alive and thriving at the Free Market.”
Alas, in all the hubbub we didn’t get a count of how many people came, but we were busy until about 3 pm when there were very few items left. It was lots of work and lots of fun, and we all left with smiles and wonderful Christmas memories.
How can you get involved? We always need more volunteers for four-hour shifts or to help with cleaning and sorting. And you may donate through the website, or in the store any time we are open. Come join the fun! And remember us when you are doing your January sorting and discarding—if it can be re-used, bring it to the Free Market!