A local family has opened up a free store for those who may be struggling in Edmonton. The HEARTS free thrift store held its grand opening on Saturday for what the family hopes will eventually become a year-round offering.
“It started with a Christmas campaign, doing hampers every year. Trying to help families out,” said Jason Rocque, who helped organize the store with his mother Teresa Rocque.
“Then we started doing it all year long — collecting donations, just trying to give away stuff for free so people could get a little bit ahead.”
The HEARTS pop-up store, which stands for Helping Everyone Access Resources Through Support, will be open at 16151 142 Street from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until early January, when organizers will begin scouting for a more permanent location. Previously, it was operated out of a private home.
“We’re trying to provide help to the middle class.
“There’s a lot of resources for the homeless and the really lower class, but there’s nothing for those people who are just above that poverty line,” said Roque. “When they’re focusing on their bills, they don’t have to worry about getting those other essential things.”
HEARTS is a registered non-profit that relies on donations to operate.
Donations can be dropped off at the store’s location or you can reach out on the group’s Facebook page.
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