Story shared by Parth J Dave:
27
May 2013
7
students. Different backgrounds. One common cause: Sharing.
It
is around 4 in the evening. Some of us are setting up tables and
chairs, unpacking materials, tying up banners and starting afresh.
We
are nervous, anxious but excited.
Our
banner reads, ‘We
collect unwanted, reusable stuff and give it away to people who need
them’.
Some
of us take the courageous step of talking to groups of parents,
students and customers in the shopping complex.
The
curiosity builds up.
Within
an hour or so, the curiosity converts into pickups. Children’s
books go like hot cakes. Academic textbooks rediscover their shine as
happy students choose them. Adults find their joy in unused greeting
cards. Stationery items are gifted. Fulfillment is offered.
Stories
are created:
- A doctor visits our stall and offers free homoeopathic treatment for various common ailments at her clinic in the shopping complex.
- A school Principal offers a stockpile of donations sourced from her school’s Lost and Found counter, that comprise of, sweaters, shoes, water bottles, umbrellas, a bucket and lots of love.
- An elderly Uncle shares puzzles and sings for our Team. He entertains with his funny capers and skills in palmistry. It seemed that he got back his playful self that wanted to come out since a long time.
- 2 boys from a nearby slum dwelling happen to visit us out of curiosity. They initially feel reluctant to simply pick up stuff for free, but it’s a beautiful sight when they realize it’s a safe space. They come back with another friend and not only collect board games, toys and stationery items for themselves, but also choose a nice kitchen set for their sisters.
The
community comes together to share and make a real difference while
our Team earns satisfaction and fulfillment in facilitating the
magic.
One
of our team members, Sejal, expresses her joy over the event:
"It was lovely being a part of something unique. Helping people get what they want and experiencing the smiles of gratitude. It was a sunny day, but it wasn't the heat but the smiles that made us feel warm. Had a nice experience of meeting and understanding different and new people. Would love to help out again if possible. Thank you for having me even if I am not remotely linked to the stream."
"It was lovely being a part of something unique. Helping people get what they want and experiencing the smiles of gratitude. It was a sunny day, but it wasn't the heat but the smiles that made us feel warm. Had a nice experience of meeting and understanding different and new people. Would love to help out again if possible. Thank you for having me even if I am not remotely linked to the stream."
This
is our material impact in three and a half hours:
18
Donors
Beneficiaries:
38
families & 1 children's orphanage
Students
A
school Principal
Security
Guards
Maids
Housewives
A
bunch of happy kids :)
Resources
redistributed:
42
Books
28
Academic books
35
pieces of clothing
11
Greeting cards
8
Umbrellas
~25
Water bottles
~5
pairs of shoes
~5
pairs of socks
3
bars of soap
3
CDs
2
Board games
1
Bucket
A
few stationery items and
Lots
of toys! :)
A
simple idea. A new reality.
If
you’re inspired by this new possibility,
You
could join us for our upcoming events at Mumbai and Thane by filling
up this quick volunteer
form.
OR
You
can take the lead in organizing a similar event in your city or
locality. We will be more than happy to help you make a difference
that makes the difference. Send us a mail at
thefreestorethane@gmail.com
For
more details, visit our Facebook
Page.
Thank
you to all those who generously offered their time, ideas,
encouragement, resources and support! We are grateful to you.
With
hope for a new future,
The
Free Store, Thane Team
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