Written by Koleby Gilbert
On the corner of Dodson Ave. and Ocoee St. sits a quiet, unassuming building with little more than an open sign and organization logo on the storefront. Underneath reads a simple phrase: “Solidarity, not charity.” Take a closer look inside and you’ll be met with clothing racks, a variety of toys, shoes and hygiene products—all without a price tag.
The Chattanooga Free Store is a non-religious, completely volunteer-run organization that actively embraces mutual aid, serving a community of families and friends at least three times a week. Including items like toys, health products, sexual health items, and food from their community fridge, the Free Store is for everyone; no questions, judgment or payment.
Long-time manager and volunteer, Liz Hutcherson, has been a shining beacon of hope, collaboration and strength within the community fostered by the Free Store.
“We are open doors to anybody who wants to come,” Hutcherson said. “Everything we do comes from the community, whether it’s monetary donations or physical donations we get…it’s a space where we can have as few barriers as possible for people to get what they need.”
True to its name, everything offered by the Free Store is free, meaning the storefront can stay open almost entirely with the power of small community donations. Nobody in the Free Store’s coalition takes a salary, so every bit of support goes right back into the community. Despite the lack of monetary gain, volunteers like Riley Foxwell find something greater in their time at the Free Store.
“It’s not about the money. It’s about making people feel happy,” Foxwell said. “If I could just work here for the rest of my life and not have to make money and whatnot, I would, but unfortunately I have to be financially stable.”
Volunteer work includes restocking, sorting through donations, ensuring presentability and safety, cleaning and assisting shoppers with their time in the store. As a shopper, you get weekly access to the store’s selection of goods, with organized shopping time to avoid too much commotion or pressure.
Kat Brumlow has been familiar with the Free Store for over a year now, and she has been able to give her support as a shopper, donator and volunteer. Through this time, she has had a chance to reflect on how beneficial the organization has been for her and her family.
“My little ones have shoes now because of this place,” Brumlow said. “It’s just a wonderful place…it gives you reassurance knowing that they are here for you.”
Though it is a small team working diligently with the generosity of the Chattanooga community, the Free Store continues to make a big impact in the neighborhood of Avondale and beyond. Within the humble building, there is a spark of hope and community for all.
“Solidarity not charity” is a tagline commonly used by the Chattanooga Free Store. This decoration is on the storefront of their newest location. Wednesday, November 6, 2024. (Photo by Koleby Gilbert). 
People gather at an open house hosted by the Chattanooga Free Store. This event was in celebration of the new, bigger location the store moved into. Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Koleby Gilbert). 
Boxes used for holding donations sit around the back of the Free Store, along with the community fridge and panty. This is the location where donations are often received. Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Koleby Gilbert). 
Cassie Belter sorts through donated toys at the Chattanooga Free Store. Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Koleby Gilbert). 
A donation signs points to the back of the Free Store’s new location, where the community fridge, pantry, and garden is also located. Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Koleby Gilbert).
Meet the Storyteller
Koleby Gilbert is a driven SGA Outstanding Senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a double major in Art History and Communication. He is currently a staff photographer for the University Echo and an editor for Rising Rock, having previous experience as an archive specialist at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. His passions lie in photography, graphic design, publication, art and research. After graduating, he looks to pursue a diversified career in multimedia journalism and storytelling. Anchored in beautiful Chattanooga and its surrounding communities, he is always looking for ways to connect through collaborative storytelling and advocacy for the arts. To inquire, collaborate, or have a chat with Gilbert, he can be reached at kolebygilbert@icloud.com.