CLEVELAND — Candy Nelson is a proud member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Fairport Harbor. 

“Our community is always in need of items that maybe they can't afford, and that's what we are providing here,” she said. 

Nelson volunteers at the Solid Rock Free Store located in the basement of the Luther Center. She said this is a building owned by her church. 

What You Need To Know

  • Candy Nelson is a proud member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Fairport Harbor

  • She volunteers at Solid Rock Free Store, which opened back in 2020

  • She said current times are hard and more people are in need   

  • Nelson said the store is open the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

“We provide clothing. We provide household items, some linens, some small appliances and everything that we have here is totally donated,” she said. 

She said the store opened back in 2020 because times were hard and continued to be hard with more people in need of help.  

“Prices of everything [are] going up,” she said. “Whether it's, you know, your gas, your electric, your food. [It's] phenomenal to be able to put food on a table, but still have to buy clothes for children and the rest of your family. It's been a real struggle lately.” 

Melissa Horton, who donates and shops at the store, said it’s a welcoming space for all.

“They’re always open for anybody to come, no matter what your financial background or your hardships may be there. They're always friendly,” she said. 

Nelson said the store is open the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

She said while all donations are appreciated, the store would especially appreciate men’s clothing and small appliances at this time.