Neatly arranged rows of clean clothing will be ready for those attending the upcoming edition of the Free Pop-Up Shop, taking place in Peekskill on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7. This charitable initiative, organized by MendByMe, offers a kind of temporary boutique where families in need can find not only clothing, but also shoes, toys, and even household items.
Starting at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, the doors of the Peekskill Elks Lodge will open to the public for an event centered on solidarity—with dignity. Laura Salazar, a Peekskill resident of two years, has attended the event a couple of times and always felt welcomed. “The people who greet us have been very kind. In February, they helped me find a jacket for my youngest son. We were not going through a good time financially at home, and we could not afford to buy one,” she explains.
She is grateful for the opportunity to receive help with no strings attached. The Free Pop-Up Shop requires no forms, no identification, and no proof of immigration status. Its only mission is to assist those going through difficult times.
Johanne Read is the founder of MendByMe and, since 2019, has held dozens of pop-ups in Peekskill and surrounding areas. Local volunteers also support the cause, guiding attendees throughout the event.
This time, the format remains the same. On Friday, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., anyone interested can stop by, get in line—which often stretches nearly a block around the venue—and receive a ticket to enter the hall in small groups. Inside, they will be able to browse and choose from donated items in good condition. Typically, each person receives 10 tickets.
All items presented in the pop-up shop are cleaned, repaired, and sorted ahead of time so they arrive in dignified condition for their new owners. MendByMe accepts donations of gently used clothes, shoes, and other items. Monetary contributions are also welcome. Those interested in helping or becoming a volunteer can contact the community organization by email.
