We are a not for profit, free clothing pantry, with seasonal clothing for men, women, and children. We also have small household items. All items are donated to us. Each worker here is a volunteer. We are here to serve the community and its needs. Shopping days are Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings (information listed below in the website) but we may also be able to help you with specific circumstances if you call us.
Please call if you have a special need with which we may be able to help.
We exist to help the community grow in the love of Jesus by providing for physical, spiritual, and educational needs.
Our Mission
| 2026 | Total Shoppers | First Time Shoppers | Family Members Served |
| April | 234 | 63 | 865 |
| May | 236 | 63 | 932 |
| June | 234 | 63 | 865 |
| July | 286 | 76 | 1035 |
| August | 253 | 52 | 961 |
Shopping Hours
Our 2026 shopping will open on April 15. We’ll be open for shopping and donations.
Wednesday: Check-in 5pm & shopping starts at 5:30pm.
Friday: Check-in 10am & shopping starts at 10:30am.
We will be closed July 3 and November 23-27
Our last day for shopping for 2026 will be December 18
Store Rules
- 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.
- The registered shopper for the family will need a picture ID to shop.
- Specific shopping directions will be given before you shop.
Donation Days
*We no longer will be taking furniture or TV’s*
Our donation days are every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 1pm. During that time, purchased items and clothing drop off is allowed. We do ask that you not leave any donations outside of our building.
Events for 2026
The Children’s Resale will be held November 7 at 1p -7p, November 8 at 9a-1p at the Northern Indiana Event Center 21565 Executive Parkway, Elkhart
Free Women’s Winter Clothing Giveaway Sept 12, 9-1. At The Cove
Our History
The Cove originally started as an outreach ministry of a local church in 2006, opening once a month. There was such an increase in the number of clients and donations that we outgrew our location.
Our current location was generously donated by a local family in 2014. 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?
Cove Wish List:
Shampoo
Larger size diapers
Women’s hygiene products
Toilet paper
Children’s underwear
Children’s winter coats
Helping Hands
Thank you to the volunteers from St. Mark’s Missionary Church and Career Academy for helping us!
“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 was 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 – 2025 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, Jimtown Preschool, St. Paul’s United Methodist Preschool, Hawthorne Early Learning Center and Head Start, The Excel Center, 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, books, office supplies and hygiene items.
We have also helped multiple foster families and those who have experienced personal tragedies such as fires or natural disasters.
Looking to volunteer?
Translators needed!
We are currently looking for translators for our shopping hours on Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings.
We participate 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