Open Hands Free Store

Organized in 2008 as a cooperative effort of several Springfield-area United Methodist Churches, the mission of the Open Hands Free Store is to support the material and spiritual needs of people in the Springfield and Clark County area. We take seriously Christ’s call to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. We also try to embody the freely given grace of God to all of God’s children. That’s why we developed this ministry where anyone in need is able to receive food, clothing and small household items— all at no cost!

People in the Springfield area are given the opportunity to bear witness to the abundance of God’s love by sharing their abundance with others through donations of food, clothing, and small household items. We also utilize the Second Harvest Food Bank as a low-cost source of food items. From time to time, fresh produce is also donated by members of the community.

We try to demonstrate God’s freely given love and grace to all people throughout our customer’s shopping experience. Therefore, all clothing and household resources are made available to customers in a shopper-friendly manner, much like they would be in a for-profit store.

In an average month, we serve over 500 households, which represents almost 1700 individuals. In the past year, we served over 2000 unique households, which represents over 5,000 people—all from the Springfield & Clark County area.