By: Olivia Hill (Loyola Senior)
In the heart of our bustling community, there is a place where goods find new purpose, generosity knows no bounds, and people come together to build something extraordinary. Welcome to the Rogers Park Free Store, a beacon of compassion that transcends traditional solidarity, weaving a tapestry of love and support for our neighbors.
Initiated by Gerardo Marciano, the Rogers Park Free Store (RP Free Store), located at 6525 N Clark St, emerged from a realization of the pressing needs of the neighborhood, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic loomed large. This awareness became the catalyst for a transformative journey that has unfolded with resilience, motivation, and unwavering community support.
Mutual aid is when individual people or communities come together to provide support, resources, and assistance for one another.
It is typically different from other forms of organizations like nonprofits in terms of funding. Its efforts often operate on donations instead of grants, relying on the contributions and cooperation of community members.
Funding for mutual aid initiatives may come from individuals within the community who offer resources, time, or skills without the need for formal structures or financial transactions.
A Labor of Love and Solidarity
The RP Free Store is run by local community members for community members. It is a place where people share support for one another.
Every Saturday it opens its doors from noon–2:30pm. While open, there is a distribution of bought necessities that the LINK card would not otherwise be able to buy buy: diapers, formula, over the counter medications, hygiene products, cleaning products, and clothes or books when donated.
Through all of the labor, there is one objective that Marciano and every volunteer strive to meet.
“The primary goal is that we take care of each other. We are mutual aid; we are Solidarity, not charity.” said Marciano.
The RP Free Store steers the initiative away from conventional models, striving to support marginalized groups, specifically people of color and undocumented individuals who often fall through the gaps in government assistance.
The dedication of volunteers significantly extends the impact of the RP Free Store, as they assist in decision-making, oversee storage, and manage distribution processes.
Though there may be small benefits, most of the volunteers help out because they want to be involved in the community that they love and live in.
“I deeply care about social justice, and the free store enables me to connect with my community and neighbors while actively contributing to a positive change,” said volunteer Margaux Ziss (27).
Throughout the time and hard work that is served at the RP Free Store, the love is always returned. Every week when the doors are open, something magical happens.
One volunteer, Lauren Mead (22), has been a volunteer for only two months and has already seen the positive impact take place.
“A community member would come by every Saturday to get supplies and also help out the other volunteers,” Mead said. “She has told us many times how much our work has helped her, her family, and friends.”
It is evident that the community appreciates the RP Free Store for all that it does.
Navigating Language Barriers and Funding Downturns
As the Free Store unfolded, it encountered its fair share of challenges.
Marciano points to the struggle with language barriers, acknowledging the difficulty in catering to diverse linguistic needs within the community.
Additionally, the initiative faces financial hurdles, with a decrease in funding prompting creative solutions such as monthly donation drives and fundraisers.
“We have to do a lot of fundraisers and try to get enough donations. We used to be open three days a week. Then it went to two, and now we are open only one day a week. Due to the lack of funding, the so-called quality of the products we buy has also decreased.”
The evolving nature of the Free Store’s challenges also extended to product quality that can be afforded, forcing a shift from upscale retailers like Target to cheaper alternatives like dollar stores.
Unity and Flexibility for the Future
Amidst these challenges, the Free Store has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience.
As of now, the Free Store works out of a small storage unit where the rent is at $200 per month and is foreseen to increase by $100 every other year.
“Right now we are paying rent which is a difficult thing for us. Eventually would like to find a free space to work out of,” said Marciano
Looking ahead, the Free Store envisions a future where it can secure a more flexible and accommodating physical space, free from the constraints of rent, allowing for an even more impactful and sustainable community service.
The Love Continues On
In the tapestry of community service, the Free Store’s journey emerges as a narrative of love in action.
It transcends the conventional boundaries of charity, choosing instead the path of mutual care and understanding.
The RP Free Store is not merely a distribution center, but a living proof of the resilience and compassion that can thrive when everyone comes together in the spirit of solidarity.
The Free Store’s story serves as an inspiration, urging us all to consider how we can become a part of the same community.
“it’s true that the love that you put out gets back to you,” Said Marciano
The Roger Park Free store is always searching and welcoming any help the community has to give, If you’re interested in ways you can be involved go here for more information.
