Christmas came early for the less fortunate in Kraaifontein on Saturday when mense could shop for free.
The Street Shop held it’s trial run at the Methodist Church in Darwin Street and needy people could pick and choose what they wanted.
The clothing, shoes and toiletries were donated and collected by residents in the area, as well as Windsor Park and Zoo Park, in conjunction with the Langeberg Doxa Deo congregation.
Assistant Pastor Gareth Lange-
veld says this was an opportunity for people to open their hearts and cupboards for the needy.
“This happens to be the first event like this in our community. The Street Store is an opportunity for anyone who has the need to come and get clothes, shoes and food for free.
“The Doxa Deo family have opened stores countrywide and this is the ninth one.”
HAND UP: Homeless people chose clothes, toiletries for free at church event
The “shoppers” were also given a warm cup of soup as they browsed.
Henry Damio, who is currently homeless, says he could see the items were of good quality.
“It was amazing to have received toiletries; after years on the street it has become a luxury. The things we got were expensive and quality items,” Henry said.
Tersia Rooi, 50, “shopped” for her unborn grandchild.
“I was overjoyed when a member of the neighbourhood watch told me to come here. I have a daughter who’s still in school, but pregnant. Here I could get enough clothes for the baby because we didn’t have anything,” Tersia says.
Paulina Gillomee, 31, says a cop alerted her to the free winkel.
“My three-year-old son, Emmanuel, is happy. I could get him lekker winter boots. We got very lucky today,” a happy Paulina says.