Delaware's Common Ground Free Store

[Tom Wolber]

Dear SDO Members and Friends:

Today's "Columbus Dispatch" (11/27/15, pp. E1 + E-4) has an inspirational article on Delaware's Common Ground Free Store Ministries, located on 193 E. Central Avenue and in operation since 2006. According to the article, the store provides free items (from clothes to electronics), serves hot meals (to an average of 125 people), and also serves as gathering place and social hub. In addition, it has an extensive website that mentions referrals for people who are in need of help (www.commongroundfreestore.org). Lastly, it provides lots of volunteer opportunities. There are no income requirements for shoppers, and no questions will be asked. However, shoppers are limited in what they can pick up to prevent the place from being emptied.

There is definitely a need for such a facility within the City of Delaware and Delaware County, both of which are full of hardscrabble areas. Statistically, Delaware County may be is affluent, but those numbers are misleading: "There are 18,000 people in the county that are considered food-insecure." Customers also include many homeless individuals and families. (The website mentions that within a six-month period it counted 74 homeless families, which is significantly higher than official statistics suggest.) 

Delaware's Common Ground Free Store is making a positive difference in the community. Many thanks to the partnering churches and individuals behind it. Perhaps City Council and the Delaware County commissioners should consider a formal recognition of their selfless efforts. Generally speaking, Delaware is lucky to have such a rich, deep, and exemplary tradition of community service that sustains and strengthens neighborhoods roiled by ecological, social, and economic turmoil.

(As always, this email reflects my personal view and has nothing to do with official SDO policies. I no longer serve on its board.)

Tom Wolber

11/27/15 

[jerrygeist]

Tom's remarks are at least two-thirds fact and  with some degree of opinion for the rest of the remarks. While I do not want SDO to become too involved with the Common Ground   Free Store, we could at least make some statements honoring the facility, recognizing its importance to Delaware and inspiring more people to get involved helping out sometimes.

Jerry Geist

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