LuLu's Free Store

LuLu's Free Store is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to spread warmth, hope, and dignity throughout western Pennsylvania by means of providing free access to the material necessities of life.

Established in 2022 by then 16 year-old Washington resident, Grace "LuLu" Reid-Vensel, LuLu's services include pop-up free stores in shelters and communities in need. We have held pop-ups in communities such as City Mission, SPHS Center of Excellence, Western Area Career and Technology Center, Second Avenue Commons, The Ladle and the Hearth, and more. Our newest program is our menstruation station initiative, wherein we provide a kit of free menstrual products through our partnership with The Honey Pot Co. to distribute in areas of need. We have provided menstruation stations to Highlands School District in Pittsburgh, PA and to the SPHS Center of Excellence.

Since our founding in 2022, we have served hundreds of individuals through our pop-up free store services and menstruation stations. However, our capacity to meet community needs is currently constrained by the absence of a dedicated space for our programs. Securing a facility will offer a stable, accessible, and functional environment where we can expand our services and reach a greater number of beneficiaries.

Establishing a permanent location in the City of Washington will enable LuLu’s Free Store to provide year-round services, ensuring that impoverished individuals have a reliable resource for essential items. This facility will allow us to:

1. Offer consistent, year-round support to the community.
2. Establish ourselves as a trusted and reliable organization for those in need.
3. Introduce additional programming, such as after-school initiatives and resource fairs.
4. Collaborate with other local organizations to expand access to vital resources.
5. Engage young leaders through volunteer opportunities and community service initiatives.

To support this mission, we would greatly appreciate monetary donations and participation in our merchandise releases through Bonfire. Please visit our website for more information. Thank you!