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!
Our Mission
We exist to help the community grow in the love of Jesus by providing for physical, spiritual, and educational needs.
| 2023 | Total Shoppers | First Time Shoppers | Family Members Served |
| June | 223 | 73 | 887 |
| July | 188 | 62 | 699 |
| Aug. | 284 | 86 | 1186 |
| Sept. | 290 | 81 | 1119 |
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 50 families a day. There will be 2 groups of 25 families each. They will each have 45 minutes to shop.
• You may only shop one time a month.
• You need an ID to shop.
• Everyone can have two banana boxes and one basket for their items.
Donation Days
Our donation days are every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 1pm.
*We no longer will be taking furniture or TV’s*
Last day for donations will be December 14th, 2023.
*We will not be accepting donations while we are closed*
Shopping Hours
Wednesday: Check-in 5pm & shopping starts at 5:30pm.
Friday: Check-in 10am & shopping starts at 10:30am.
Events
*First day we are accepting donations is April 11th, 2023.
*First day of shopping will be April 12th, 2023.
*Children’s Resale for Spring will be March 24th, 2023 from 4pm-8pm and March 25th, 2023 from 9am-1pm.
*Days we will be closed…Memorial Day May 26th, Labor Day September 1st, 2023, Thanksgiving week November 22nd & 24th, 2023.
*Last day for donations will be Thursday, December 14th, 2023.
*Last day for shopping will be Friday, December 15th, 2023.
Helping Hands
”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, RETA, Womens Care Center, Living Faith Pantry, Nazarene Baby Room, B.A.G Ministries and 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 August 3, 2023
Elkhart Teachers University August 8, 2023
Heart City Health Fair August 12, 2023
We have also had a parking lot sale
( June 17, 2023) to help raise operating funds.
Looking to volunteer?
Location
Board Members
Linda Boss – President
Tammy Mullins – Treasurer
Mick Hoeflinger – Secretary
Susie Good – Member
Leigh Holland – Member
Please Consider Helping
We need monetary donations. We are closed for the winter months and have no source of income. You can click "Donate" on our website to help us out. Thank you!!