Our pantry is FREE! We are able to help people in our community or from ANYWHERE, because of amazing people who donate to us. We have clothing from Newborn to plus sizes, shoes, books, toys, household items and more. It’s a great time to stock up on warm clothes!
We will open for shopping for the 2025 season on April 2nd. Donations will be accepted beginning April 1st.
Our Mission
We exist to help the community grow in the love of Jesus by providing for physical, spiritual, and educational needs.
| 2024 | Total Shoppers | First Time Shoppers | Family Members Served |
| April | 247 | 79 | 1005 |
| May | 304 | 111 | 1169 |
| June | 278 | 90 | 1101 |
| July | 121 | 37 | 471 |
| Aug | 285 | 98 | 1133 |
| Sept | 247 | 75 | 962 |
| Oct | 297 | 86 | 1174 |
| Nov | 275 | 93 | 1062 |
| Dec | 199 | 58 | 815 |
Our History
The Cove originally started as an outreach ministry of a local church in 2006, opening once a month. By 2011, it was determined to open once a week to meet the growing need of the community during the economic downturn. During the next 3 years, there was such an increase in the number of clients and donations that we outgrew our location.
We were now opening twice a week. In 2014, the Lord provided a building for us! Our current location was generously donated by a local family. Due to the generosity of the community donations, we are utilizing our entire building. We became a 501c3, non-profit organization when we received the building. The Cove is entirely run by volunteers. The director, board, and staff, all freely give of their time to make this community asset available to those in need.
Looking to help our cause?
Store Rules
Please read the rules before entering the shop
• We are limiting our shoppers to 70 families a day. There will be 2 groups of 35 families each. They will each have 45 minutes to shop.
• You may only shop one time a month.
• You need a picture ID to shop.
• Everyone can have two banana boxes and one basket for their items.
Donation Days
Donation days will resume on April 1, 2025. We do ask that you not leave any donations outside our building
Our donation days are every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 1pm.
*We no longer will be taking furniture or TV’s*
Shopping Hours
Shoping hours will resume on April 2, 2025
Wednesday: Check-in 5pm & shopping starts at 5:30pm.
Friday: Check-in 10am & shopping starts at 10:30am.
Events
We open for the 2025 shopping season beginning April 2nd. We look forward to seeing you then!
The Children’s Resale will be held March 28th 4:00-8:00pm and March 29 9:00-1:00pm at the Northern Indiana Event Center 21565 Executive Parkway, Elkhart
We will hold a parking lot sale fundraiser on June 14, 2025
Helping Hands
“Thank you for all that you do for the community and allowing our son to be a part of it. Be blessed and know it does not go unnoticed.” (Sara S and Nico M.)
Nico is a 13 year old who is working on earning his Black Belt. As part of that process he did a community service project…collecting and delivering items for us, The Cove. Why? Because we helped his family during a time of need. Thank you, Nico, for making a difference in the lives of others by your donations!
”These are ministries and organizations we have helped in 2022 and 2023 by suppling clothing, shoes, toys, bedding and hygiene products. We hope to continue helping these ministries and organizations plus more in need.
Fresh Paint , Heart City Outreach, Bashor Children’s Home, Susanna’s Kitchen, Elkhart Women’s Shelter, Elkhart County Feral Cat Coalition , The Window, Saving Grace Advocacy, Women’s Care Center, Living Faith Pantry, Nazarene Baby Room, B.A.G. Ministries, Concord Little League, Teen Challenge, RETA, Local nursing homes
Thanks to Feed the Children for their donations of clothes and hygiene items.
We participated in the following programs in our community.
Police Night Out
Elkhart Teachers University
Heart City Health Fair
Wellfield Botanic Gardens Giving Tree
Goshen First Fridays
Looking to volunteer?
Translators needed!
We are currently looking for translators for our shopping hours on Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings.
Location
Board Members
Linda Boss – President
Mick Hoeflinger – Secretary
Susie Good – Member
Leigh Holland – Member