Keeping the Free Store Running During COVID

You can't imagine how many emails we get these days asking about the Free Store. Can we still drop off donations, when will the store open, what are you doing about COVID, etc...

Well let's dive into some of those questions so that our community has a better idea of what is happening with the Store.

In March, the Free Store experienced the beginning of the COVID crisis like everyone. News was starting to float around about the virus; some places were thinking of closing; should we close too? Just as the NBA decided to shut down, the Free Store decided that we didn't want to put people at risk and we closed our doors, uncertain about how long the pandemic would last.

Fast-forward to July and the holding pattern for businesses was loosening up. At that point we decided to put together a plan that would allow operations at the Free Store to get going again. How could we not? We were getting messages every day asking about the store and how people could get access. 

The Free Store is an important fixture on campus. It is not only a key program to reduce waste and create a circular economy, but it is also an important program to help financially support the members of our community. Now more than ever, the Free Store can help reduce the augmented financial burden being felt during this pandemic.

Every dollar you don't have to spend on pots, plates, or pants is a dollar that you can put towards paying tuition, buying healthier food, or paying rent.

That's why we are so pleased to announce the return of our first Free Store event for this year during 101 Week. We will be hosting an event under the tent (University Place) from 11am to 3pm on September 9th. We are taking some exceptional measures to keep every safe, here are a few:

• Masks are required, even if we are outdoors
• There will be a hand-washing station for people to use before entering the event
• Only 15 people at a time will be permitted into the tent
• We have create a simple flow for people to move through the space
• People will be asked to only touch items that they are interested in taking home with them
• And much more...

This leads to the next big question.... when will the store open up again for regular hours?
Well we are aiming to be open before October. Our COVID plan is under review right now and we are pretty sure that the extra measures we are implementing will keep everyone safe.

• Entry limited to 2 people at a time
• Handled items will be set aside for a few days to ensure there is no active virus
• Volunteers will be given extra training and PPE
• Extra days dedicated to cleaning the store
• Tracking information for contact tracing
• And much more...

We will have more details about the specific opening date and the new entry point of the store in the coming days.

There is also our donation bin located in the Learning Crossroads. Our bin remains open for donations and all the donated items are set aside for a few days before cleaning. Make sure the check if the building is open before you come to drop off your stuff.

And finally, we are still trying to figure out what to do with our Free Store Carts. The concern is of course people touching books and what that could mean for contamination. If the carts are out again this semester we will keep them in less busy areas, we will provide hand sanitizer beside the cart, an we will reduce the number of items on each cart.

So all this is very exciting but we would love to know if you have any thoughts or ideas about how we can reopen safely and get things out to the community. Send us your comments and stay safe. See you soon!

~jonathan rausseo - campus sustainability manager