Inspiration
Turning pre-loved into new hope: Street Store Bloemfontein 2026─── 09:00 Fri, 20 Mar 2026
People can now donate pre-loved clothes and toys to The Street Store as their act of kindness.
The Street Store Bloemfontein wants to bless those in need with basic clothing necessities and give the children in these families a toy to brighten their day. They need your help. You can drop off your pre-loved clothing and toys at various points in Bloemfontein, which will then be distributed at three locations during The Street Store day on 23 May.
We all have that one corner of the closet or a box in the garage filled with things we no longer use, a sweater that was last worn three seasons ago, or a toy that hasn’t been played with in years. What if those forgotten items were the key to restoring someone’s dignity?
This May, The Street Store Bloemfontein is back for its eleventh year, proving that a simple act of kindness can transform a community. Coordinator Maresa van der Walt joins Yolanda Maartens to motivate you to join them in an act of kindness.
What is Street Store?
Street Store isn't just a charity drive; it’s a one-day pop-up clothing store designed specifically for the homeless and those in need.
Unlike traditional hand-outs, where people receive a random bag of goods, Street Store focuses on dignity.
Every "shopper" gets to:
Browse and choose: Pick out their own clothes and shoes that actually fit their style and size.
Dine with decorum: Enjoy a meal in a dedicated, restaurant-like atmosphere.
Play safely: Children are invited into a fun-filled area where they can just be kids.
Meal preparation in action. Photo supplied
The Big Goal for 2026
On Saturday, 23 May, The Street Store aims to serve 4,000 people across three major locations in Bloemfontein:
Hamilton: Anchor of Hope
Lourierpark: Methodist Church grounds
Heidedal: Heide Primary School
“Our dream is to provide small businesses, schools, and community associations the opportunity to be part of a beautiful, life-changing day.”
Get involved
The Street Store relies entirely on the generosity of the Bloemfontein community. Whether you are an individual, a school, or a corporate organization, there are three primary ways to get involved:
| Way to Help | Details | Key dates |
| Volunteer | Join the logistics, security, hospitality, or shop assistant teams. | Training: 18 May |
| Drop-off point | Host a bin at your business or school for pre-loved clothes and toys. | Ends: 10 May |
| Community drive | Collect women’s sanitary products or non-perishables (tea, coffee, sugar). | Event: 23 May |
The Street Store Bloemfontein is also able to issue an 18A tax rebate certificate for the donation of funds or goods. If you have any other questions or would like more information, contact Van der Walt on 072 383 7522.
• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.
