Umsonstladen | Free Shop Magdeburg

An inspiration today

I was invited by Patricia to visit Umsonstladen (Free shop) where she works 2 days a week as volunteer. In total 6 people run this shop, all volunteers.

One can get anything from this shop for free. You can find many things (albeit used) --- clothes, books, posters, pots, cutlery, plates, shoes, music / film CDs/DVDs/tapes, decoration items, some old electronics and so on. Max 3 items are allowed to be taken.

I was surprised to see this place as I had never heard of it before. I know many university friends who threw their valuables in the garbage container when they were leaving having finished their studies -- throwing bundle of clothes, bedsheets, plates, books, furniture, TV etc stuff. I myself have done that few times.
What a BIG shame!!!!

These things must have served better if given to this shop. Moreover often we have many things in our rooms which are lying around for no purpose other than occupying space. Why not to donate them? If there are some heavy-weight items the shop can be called to pick them up from home.

There are many people around us who cannot afford to buy and would greatly benefit from these little things. How much it will cost to us? Nothing. All we need is to spare one single thought for such people.

This shop is a dignified way to help poor people as they don't have to extend their hands in the street for small needs.

You can donate anything at this shop. The only requirement is:
"it should not be broken and be in clean usable condition"

Umsonstladen, Brandenburger Str. 9
Opening Timings: Mon, Tue 13-18 hr. and Thu, Fri 13-17 hr.


See also:
Things being sorted out at the shop
An external view of the shop
Salwa, a little Iraqi girl whom lives near the shop