NASHVILLE, Tenn. – To address a growing need, The Store is introducing The School Store, a new project aimed at providing school supplies for Middle Tennessee families. The initiative will collect new high-quality backpacks, stainless steel water bottles and one-inch 3-ring binders throughout July at collection sites including Let It Shine Gymnastics, The Getalong, Belmont Bookstore, and The Store. Additionally, Kroger Green Hills and Brentwood stores along with other pop-up locations throughout 12 South will collect donations from July 27-28. The Nashville community is invited to The Store to drop off supplies, enjoy games, live music, inflatables and snacks during the fundraiser’s family-friendly event on Saturday, July 27, from 1-3 p.m. CT.
With food insecurity at a decade high, The Store recently launched its “Doubling Our Difference” campaign, aiming to double the number of Middle Tennessee families served each year to 700 and expand support services.
“We are grateful to the Nashville community for helping us provide for our customers another much-needed resource for their children as they gear up for a great school year ahead,” co-founders Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley shared.
Individuals wishing to sponsor a families’ groceries, donate school supplies, or learn more about future events and volunteering at The Store can visit thestore.org.
ABOUT THE STORE:
Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley are co-founders of nonprofit organization The Store, a free-referral based grocery store, which aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area. The Store operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency. The Store currently works with nearly 25 referral agencies in Nashville to help families in securing food assistance while they access other support services, for a more comprehensive and wholistic approach for families in need. The Store purchases all its food, with the exception of locally grown produce and in kind donations through licensed vendors. The Store regularly serves over 700 households weekly. For more information, visit www.thestore.org.
