Highland Lakes residents can help Bloom in many ways, from donating to volunteering in the store to hosting a diaper drive. Donations may be dropped off at any time in the bin outside Bloom’s Worthington location (7343 Worthington-Galena Rd.). Visit bloomfreestore.org to donate monetary or purchase items from Bloom’s Amazon wish liBloom: A Free Store exists to aid in the flourishing of young families in Columbus and surrounding areas. Its mission is to create a supportive community for young families (ages 0 to 3) by connecting people, providing basic needs, and sharing resources. When families come to Bloom, they will find a store stocked with donations from residents and other organizations, and they can shop for baby essentials without the burden of financial strain.

Lee Ann Dewey is the Director of Operations for Bloom and spends about 15 to 20 hours per week communicating with and organizing these volunteers. Lee Ann and her family lived in Highland Lakes for three years before relocating to Dayton. Just over two years later, they realized there was no better place to live than Columbus and returned to the neighborhood where they had made their home for the last 22 years. Now, her presence is a gift to the families who benefit from Bloom’s services and the volunteers who help make this service a reality.

Bloom offers diapers, wipes, clothes for newborn to 5T sizes, baby accessories, toys, and larger items such as strollers, baby seats, and high chairs. Volunteers organize these weekly donations, pass items to other organizations that do not fit the store’s needs, and display the rest for shoppers. When the store is open, volunteers at least once per week assist families with shopping, bag their items, and even help them carry their goods to their cars.

While many families who walk through the doors at Bloom were born and raised in Columbus, families from 21 different countries have come to take advantage of the free store’s services. Some arrived in Columbus just days before walking through the door to seek support. “It is usual to be standing in the store with five different countries represented around you,” says Lee Ann, adding that despite their differences, everyone gets along. Lee Ann has seen growth in herself while working with the free store and says her experience with Bloom has given her hope in the beautiful world.

Lee Ann encourages inquiries and engagement from those interested in supporting Bloom, inviting them to email her at leeann.dewey@bloomfreestore.org.