Free store helps Holts Summit residents

Helen McKibben sorts through donations to her free store, Our Hands to Yours. The store — located in the basement of Harvest Time Ministries in Holts Summit — opened two months ago.
Helen McKibben sorts through donations to her free store, Our Hands to Yours. The store — located in the basement of Harvest Time Ministries in Holts Summit — opened two months ago.

HOLTS SUMMIT - Helen McKibben is seeking to fix a need in her community.

"Some people can't even afford to get to Salvation Army or Goodwill," the Holts Summit woman said. "I know because I've been here, and I've done that."

McKibben said she opened Our Hands to Yours in the basement of Harvest Time Ministries about two months ago. Every item in the store is free to whomever needs it.

She moved to Holts Summit from Iowa four years ago.

"There's this little place in Iowa called the Hope Center," McKibben said. "It furnished my whole house."

When she realized there wasn't a similar institution in Holts Summit, she decided to start one herself. She feels it's what her dad would have wanted.

"Dad always wanted to do this but he didn't get around to it, and he's passed away now," McKibben said.

She has made posts about the store on social media. While the volume of visitors is still low, those who've stopped by appreciate the help.

Ina Lutz was there Thursday looking over clothes. She definitely sees the need for a place like Our Hands to Yours in the area.

"The community is poor," she said. "How else can I say it?"

Lutz said she will donate part of her wardrobe.

McKibben's fellow congregants at Harvest Time Ministries donated some of the items, and the church provides $50 a month to purchase shampoo and other toiletries. McKibben's brother donates toilet paper and paper towels.

McKibben has five adult children, three of whom live in Iowa with the other two nearby. Those still in the area also help at the free store.

"My kids love this, they love helping people," she said.

McKibben is trying to provide all kinds of items people might require.

"I've got some sheets, mostly clothes and shoes," she said. "I'm trying to gather pots, pans and dishes and I'm short of boys clothes. I had a woman come by needing diapers, so we went out and bought some."

She has also been collecting school supplies and non-perishable food items.

Items can be deposited in the donation box outside the church, which she and her family painted with handprints.

McKibben is glad she can help.

"I just enjoy giving to people," she said. "That's my whole life."

Visit the free store in the basement of Harvest Time Ministries, 100 Chet Jac Drive in Holts Summit. The store is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursdays and every other Saturday.