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By Jill Runfola

Free Store Volunteers, L-R Kerri Scheaffer, Gordon Marshal, Arlene Amati, Barb Rehula, Melissa Steward, Robert Steward, Co-Founder-Courtney Moran, Cheryl Menzler, Sylvia Werner, Dan Obusek

Free Store 15062, Volunteer Dan Obusek helps greet shoppers and covers security.

Classroom #1, contains clothing, shoes and accessories, and is newly organized.

Monessen Free Store Volunteer Leadership Team Leader, Courtney Moran and her mom, volunteer Cheryl Menzler.

On left, Hanna Woods and Rhonda Welshans, both of Charleroi, are regulars to the store and excited for those involved in the reopening.

On left, Linda Wilson with Melanie Mathianas, both of Brownsville. The first-time, Free Store shoppers said they probably traveled the farthest to be there.

The Grand Reopening of the Monessen Free Store 15062 on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:00AM to 1:00PM, welcomed 98 patrons to the newly reorganized place after adding an additional classroom. There was a line-up waiting to get into the store, and the first 20 shoppers received door prizes.

Just one week later, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, a record 150 patrons shopped in the newly renovated store.

The Grand Reopening event featured refreshments, pastries and raffle tickets with winning baskets. They store has a dedicated team of 20 volunteers, and the Grand Reopening has been led by Courtney Moran and her mother Cheryl Mentzler, who all gave generously of their time, a celebration of love.

Since opening in June 2023, the Free Store represents much more than additional square footage; it’s a testament to what happens when a community comes together, according to Moran. With a second classroom added, they now have two neatly organized classrooms of essential items. Classroom #1 contains: clothing, shoes & accessories. Classroom #2 carries: housewares, dinnerware, home décor, linens, pet food & supplies, toys & more! Moran says they are better able to serve the community with extra space.

The store has relied entirely on donated goods, generous financial contributions, and thousands of volunteer hours. The store accepts donations of new and gently used clothing, household items, toys, books, and other essentials for the community, then gives back to those in need. Last year’s estimates show that the store welcomed 2,670 shoppers during just 53 days of operation and redistributed 12,125 items back into the community.

Even after transitioning to a Saturday only schedule in March 2025, the need for the store’s services has remained strong. They are in partnership with Union Cleaners who launder the clothes that may need cleaned for the customers. Also, the store is in partnership with Mon Valley Paws who donates pet food and supplies. Moran says their mission is simple: “to preserve dignity, reduce waste, and ensure everyone has access to essentials they need.”

Moran stated, “What started in 2023 has grown into something far bigger than we imagined, and we’re so grateful to our Monessen and surrounding communities for making it possible.”

You can shop your local Free Store in the Monessen Schooner Youth Center, located at 701 Schoonmaker Ave., open on Saturdays, 10:00AM to 1:00PM. To volunteer, donate, or for more information, follow Freestore15062 on Facebook, or email FreeStore15062@gmail.com.

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