WEST LAWN — As the new school year approaches, families on Chicago’s Southwest Side often face rising expenses for uniforms, supplies and other necessities. To ease that burden, the Community Innovation Center, a local nonprofit, has opened a free uniform store at its campus on 5938 S. Pulaski Road.
How the free store works
Neighbors are invited to bring gently used school uniforms and calculators between noon and 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Accepted items include shirts, pants, skirts and other uniform clothing, provided they are clean and free of holes, tears or stains. In return, families can browse the available inventory and take what they need without charge.
Hours for donors and shoppers
Donations are accepted during the following hours:
- Tuesday – Thursday: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Those seeking uniforms can pick up items during two dedicated windows:
- Monday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Thursday: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Community spirit behind the initiative
“The idea is simple: neighbors help each other,” said Eddie Guillen, board president of the Community Innovation Center. “We encourage people to leave what they can and take what they need. It’s a practical way to reuse items children have outgrown and to keep costs down for families during a financially tight time.”
Guillen noted that the free store aligns with the nonprofit’s broader mission to support families and strengthen community ties. By providing a place where families can both give and receive, the center hopes to foster a culture of generosity and mutual aid.
Why the free store matters
Back‑to‑school expenses often spike just as the cost of living rises for many households. Uniforms, calculators and other school supplies can add up quickly, creating a financial strain for parents trying to provide for their children’s education. The free store offers a tangible solution, allowing families to stretch their budgets while ensuring children have the clothing they need for school.
Local residents have praised the effort, noting that the availability of clean, gently used uniforms reduces waste and supports environmentally responsible practices. The initiative also reflects a growing trend of community‑based resource sharing, where neighborhoods pool resources to address common challenges.
How to get involved
Anyone interested in donating or obtaining uniforms can visit the Community Innovation Center during the hours listed above. For additional information, volunteers and donors can contact the center directly at the address provided.
The free uniform store will operate for the remainder of the back‑to‑school season, with the nonprofit planning to assess community needs and potentially expand the program in future years.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
