Frequent Questions : What We Do : Common Ground Free Store

For your convenience, our most common questions are answered right here. Not finding what you want? Reach out directly through our Contact Us page.

How can I sign up to volunteer or provide food for a meal?

Please visit our website and click on the Volunteer tab or you can email our Volunteer Manager, at volunteer@commongroundfreestore.org
What are your donations hours?

Our donation hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 10am-1pm, 6-8:30pm
Wednesday, Saturday - 10am-1pm
How often do you serve meals?

Dine-in meals are provided every time the Free Store is open. Carry out meals are also available. No ID required for meals.
Does the Free Store ever close for inclement weather?

Yes, our inclement weather policy is that the Free Store will close when Delaware City Schools close because of weather, and/or when Delaware county is under a Level 2 or higher snow emergency. The Free Store stays open when Delaware City Schools has a 2-hour delay. Please watch our social media pages for updates, as we will post our closings as soon as we can. Volunteers will be notified by text or phone call.
What is your greatest donation need right now?

Basically, our needs are pretty consistent. We accept clothing, shoes, new socks/underwear, and household goods. We take donations of diapers, wipes, toilet paper, and personal care items, such as full size bottles of shampoo, body wash, and deodorant.
When I donate hanging clothes, can I leave them on their hangers?

Imagine managing thousands of hangers, all of different types and sizes. In a closest they are indispensable, but they present a real challenge for us, both in terms of disposal and volunteer time. So, please remove the hangers from your clothing before you donate them.
Can my child volunteer?

Yes! We welcome families who want to volunteer together. We require that children who are in 5th grade and below work directly with their guardian (1 parent/guardian per child). An individual youth (not with a family or youth group) who wishes to volunteer at CGFS without a guardian present must be 15 years of age and/or started their freshman year of high school. In either case, a volunteer must be at least 12 years old to work in the kitchen and must work with an adult.
Can youth groups volunteer?

Common Ground welcomes youth volunteer groups during store hours and for special work projects. All youth volunteers must have completed 5th grade. We require all youth groups to have a minimum of 2 adult leaders. If there are any middle school aged youth (currently in or entering 6th grade through 8th grade), we require a ratio of 1 adult for every 5 youth (minimum of 2 adults).
Can you use bottles of shampoos, lotions, and other personal care items that have been opened and only partially used?

No, we do not give away any opened or used bottles of any kind. This is a potential safety and contamination issue.
Do you take televisions, furniture and appliances?

No, unfortunately we do not have the room to handle or store large items. We do accept small appliances such as toasters, microwaves, and coffee makers (anything that fits on a shelf).
What baby items do you accept?

We can take all baby items except items that can be recalled, like cribs, strollers, car seats, and other equipment.