MCDOWELL, COUNTY, N.C. — A free store is now open in McDowell County. The store was started in collaboration with the Let's Act Army and East Marion Pentecostal Holiness Church. It is located at the church and has many winter items.

Volunteer Tamara Taylor says all of the items are donations that are now being given out to anyone who needs it. She calls the store a way to bridge the gap between those who have and those who need. Anyone is able to come by and take items, no matter their situation.

Taylor says the pandemic has made it difficult for many, leaving families living in vehicles and in the cold. Therefore, items like blankets, sleeping bags, additional clothing items, hats, and gloves are essential.

Debora Workman works with the church and has been spending many days sorting clothing so she can make sure as many items are able to get out as possible.

"It very much breaks my heart. Not all the time you think there's a drug addict with their child, that's not what’s going on right now. The pandemic has really made it pretty serious. People are losing their homes. It's just heartbreaking. There has to be somebody there for them​," Workman says.

Workman says they not only need more donations, but also volunteers to help sort through items that come in.  

If someone is in need, they can go to the church and help themselves to whatever they need.