Lifewell Free Store by First United Methodist Church Receives Renovation

MUSKINGUM COUNTY, Ohio- Two women in ministry are making a difference within the community by providing everyday resources.

The Lifewell Store that was created in 2006 by the Zanesville First United Methodist provides free items like clothing, hygiene products, toys and more to those in need, according to Joy Wigal, Pastor at First UMC.

With the help of Grace and North Lewisburg Methodist Church, the store was able to receive a recent renovation. 

“It benefits our neighborhood and we’ve had people come from all around even the county and beyond. We service a lot of folks when they get burned out of their home or when they are in transitions,” Pastor Wigal said. “We’ve had grandparents come in and say ‘I suddenly have custody of three grandkids and I don’t have clothes for them.’ So we’ve been able to supply them with some necessary essentials.”

The walls inside the store that used to be darker, are brighter with more friendly family spaces, due to the hard work and strength the United Methodist youth group have put in.

Pastor Wigal said that the store really did need an immediate change and explained what has been done so far with the store.

“The place really needed a facelift because nothing had been done in her since it had opened, expect for really small things. So coming in and taking everything out, and giving it a fresh coat of pant was just a huge step in the right direction,” Pastor Wigal stated. “Then we had shelving and other things that just were warn and torn. They’ve been used a lot and so to have other folks come in, relook at the space, see what was working, what wasn’t and help put together the pieces to make it more useable, more accessible, and wow, it’s already looking so much better.”

Karen Montgomery, Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, shared how the Lifewell store came across to her a lot when she first came into town and said it was God’s calling as both Churches contacted each other.

“Grace is just interested in partnering so that we can show this community that we’re people of faith, that God has given us love and that we have his Grace, and that we should be sharing what we have with other people,” Pastor Montgomery said.

Love and Action is the teaching for the members at Grace Church, says Pastor Montgomery. She said the younger children who have helped make a change to the store are happy to be there and make a difference.

“We just feel like kids can, number one, deepen their faith in understanding who God is as they’re seriously serving and meeting needs. That’s why we’re here,” Pastor Montgomery stated.

They talked about how they will continue to raise more money to add additional things and ideas to the store so people in the community can have a true experience.

The store is located at 857 Putnam Avenue and will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., but someone will be there at 8:00 a.m. to accept donations. Pastor Wigal said they also accept financial support.