This blog was originally published in 2023 and has been updated for accuracy.
As a professional organizer, I often hear clients ask, “Where does all my donated stuff go?”
My answer is one of my favorite parts of the job:
“I can take that to the Free Store!”
Most people pause and look puzzled.
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. A completely free store in Annandale, Minnesota, where people can donate and shop for items at no cost.
What Is the Minnesota Free Store?
The Free Store is a unique nonprofit serving the Annandale and Central Minnesota community. It accepts a wide variety of donations, including:
- Clothing for all ages
- Toys and baby gear (except car seats and cribs)
- Household goods (except TV’s, computers, large furniture, appliances and paints)
- Bedding and décor
- Toiletries and cleaning supplies (even partially used)
These last items are especially important for those in need. In my work with decluttering and home organizing clients across the Twin Cities and Central Minnesota, I often see barely-used products that would otherwise be thrown away. Instead, they go to someone who truly needs them.
As part of my organizing services, I offer donation drop-offs, taking a carload of items directly to places like the Free Store, making it easy for my clients to let go and feel good doing it.
The History of the Free Store
The Free Store began as an offshoot of the Wee Care We Share program, led by Vernon Turner and his brothers for over 20 years. Originally created to support families from Texas to Minnesota, donors eventually wanted a local way to help people in need.
That’s when the Free Store was born! They started out in the basement of St. Luke Catholic Church in Clearwater, MN, but quickly outgrew that space, moving into a strip mall location. After 25 years there, the free store relocated to a larger space April 1, 2026. The Free Store now operates in the former Vintage Patina, an antique store that recently closed. This gives the store at least 50% more, much needed space. It is an easier, more organized space. This article in the Annandale Advocate gives a great overview.
The Free Store, Annandale, Minnesota
A Volunteer-Run Nonprofit Serving Annandale, MN
The Free Store is entirely volunteer-run, with many volunteers serving for decades, including manager Marlene Imholte and her team, who started in 2000. I am proud to say I graduated from high school with Marlene, who’s name has become synonymous with the Free Store!
There are currently 20-25 volunteers who help on a continuous basis. Because it is run by volunteers, hours are limited:
- Monday: 1–3 PM
- Tuesday: 3–5 PM
- Wednesday: 3–5 PM
- Thursday: 12–2 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–12PM
Overcoming Challenges
Like many nonprofits, the Free Store has faced obstacles, especially early on when funding rent was a challenge. Support came from:
- The original Wee Care We Share program
- Local Annandale organizations, churches and individual donors (mostly anonymous)
- Community grants (including a 20th anniversary grant from Centra Sota Cooperative and Cenex)
Today, donations help cover basic expenses like rent and utilities, allowing the store to continue its mission.
Why Donating Matters: Real Stories from the Free Store
One of the most inspiring parts of the Free Store is how donations directly impact lives.
Marlene shared a few unforgettable moments, and I wanted to share them with you because they are so heartwarming.
- A mother came in looking for a double stroller. They didn’t have one, until, just moments before she left, someone donated one.
- Days before Thanksgiving, a frozen turkey was donated (something they rarely accept). Shortly after, a woman in need came in and left with that turkey for her family’s holiday meal.
- In my own experience, often when I bring donations, they are scooped up before I am done unloading my car!
Marilyn sorting donations in new sorting area
To people who benefit from the store, this is about a whole lot more than stuff. I see them as moments of real connection, timing, and community care.
Decluttering with Purpose in the Twin Cities & Central Minnesota
My clients from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities love hearing about the Free Store.
Soon enough, I hear them say:
“Take that to the Free Store.”
Decluttering becomes easier when you know your items are going somewhere meaningful. Instead of contributing to landfill waste, you’re:
- Supporting local families
- Reducing environmental impact
- Giving items a second life
How to Donate or Get Involved
The Free Store operates entirely on donations and volunteers and is part of Annandale Health and Community Services, a federal nonprofit organization.
If you’d like to:
- Donate items
- Volunteer your time
- Learn more about responsible decluttering
Contact me directly and I’ll happily connect you.
And don’t forget to go follow the Free Store on Facebook!
At Keys to Living Light, my mission is simple: Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Through professional organizing, downsizing, and home staging services in the Twin Cities and Central Minnesota, I help clients:
- Clear clutter with confidence
- Donate responsibly
- Keep as much as possible out of landfills
Be sure to explore my Reduce, Reuse, Recycle resources page for more donation and recycling options near you. And of course, please reach out if you are in the Greater Minneapolis area, please reach out to discuss a complimentary initial consultation.
Happy Decluttering!
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