After much discussion and trial and error, we have finally sorted out our issues with the receiving of donations to the Mission. Thank you for your patience through this time of change!
Beginning immediately, all clothing donations to the Mission will go through our newest project – First United Thrift Store, located at 340 Hastings Street, three doors east of the Church. The thrift store will hold its official opening on Thursday, July 30th. Operated by staff member Leona Bentz with the help of DTES and wider community volunteers, the Thrift Store is a new social enterprise initiative of First United providing access to low cost, gently used clothing and household items for low-income residents of the Downtown Eastside. The store is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number of the store is: 604-569-1117.
Receiving hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All donations will be gratefully received through the front door of the store on Hastings. There is a drop off zone marked on Hastings and a sign on the sidewalk. Foodstuffs intended for the church can be dropped off at the store and will be moved by staff and volunteers to the kitchen. Please check our website at www.firstunited.ca for a list of things we can use.
First United remains committed to providing emergency clothing for those who are in need and will keep a space well-stocked in the church to meet the needs of the community. Items for emergency clothing will be sorted at the store and then moved to the emergency clothing room in the Mission.
Volunteers at the Thrift store are more than welcome. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinators, Marion Young (mcyoung@firstunited.ca) or Brett Jackson (brett.jackson@firstunited.ca) for details. The phone number for Marion and Brett is 604-681-8365, ext. 108.
First United Church
First United Church has been proudly serving the Downtown Eastside neighbourhood for 125 years.
