611 Collective

06/18/2026

Thank you to everyone that gave items today!! Your donations are what keep 611 moving.

If you missed out on dropping off items, we'll be here Thursday June 18th and Saturday June 20th from 10-2pm.

This week we are welcoming 40 families and our volunteers to shop at 611 and everything donated is truly appreciated.

Some things we could use:
Baby safe soap (Urgent)
Cooking oil
Sugar
Coffee
Tea
Sunglasses
Journals
Scented candles
Small electronics
Beauty supplies
Baby wipes
Home decor
Gifts
Men's T-shirts
Shorts for everyone
Mops
Brooms
Towel sets
Strawberry jelly
White rice
Dried beans

Always needed:
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Laundry detergent

See you soon @ 611 South Blvd, Evanston

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZtTraItP7b/?igsh=MTh1Mjd0cGk3NjdsNg==

06/16/2026

Free store shopping is the heart of 611.

Every shopping day depends on Shopping Volunteers who welcome shoppers, help people find what they need, and create the experience that makes 611 possible.

As food, housing, and job insecurity continue to rise, this role matters more than ever. Right now, Shopping Volunteers are our most urgent volunteer need.

As part of our mutual aid model, Shopping Volunteers receive shopping access at 611.

You can sign up for your first shift, or your next shift, as soon as tomorrow night.

https://form.jotform.com/261114696607056

06/16/2026

Hey 611Friends! Our pantry could use a lot of help tomorrow! We are welcoming 40 families this week and we are extremely low on pantry items.

If you're able to stop by tomorrow, Wednesday from 5-8pm, that would be amazing!
We need:
Sugar
Jelly (Strawberry preferred)
Cooking oil (we have 2 left)
Coffee (insta preferred)
Tea
White rice (WHITE only)
Dried beans (dry only)

Thank you for being a part of our 611 family!

06/16/2026

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS AT OUR DOOR.

We know you're trying to help, but items left outside create real problems.

Our stoop is very small. When bags tip over, items end up on the sidewalk, creating hazards for pedestrians, strollers, and wheelchair users. Items left outside are also exposed to rain, wind, and dogs passing by.

There are currently multiple signs on our door asking that items not be left outside, but unfortunately this happened, and we've been closed for several days.

If you'd like to contribute to 611, please bring items during drop-off hours or attend one of our scheduled collection events. Hours are listed on the door, and we have a Ring Doorbell with an intercom system.

Please don't dump at 611. Make sure all items are new or like new.

Thank you for helping us keep the sidewalk safe and contributions usable.

06/16/2026

611 Is Built by Friends Showing Up!

Bring a new, unopened toiletry or cleaning product to help keep the Free Store stocked with high-need essentials.

Visit us at Main Street Fair in front of 518 Main Street to learn about 611, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved.

June 27 • 11 AM - 9 PM
Main Street & Chicago Avenue • Evanston

06/16/2026

Hey 611 Friends!

Join us on Friday, June 19 for our Mending Circle!

This event is free to attend. Just bring clothing that needs mending. We'll gather to share skills, resources, and supplies. Some materials will be available to use, and you're welcome to bring your own sewing and mending supplies too.

Friday, June 19 | 4-8 PM
611 South Blvd
Evanston

Whether you're an experienced mender or trying it for the first time, everyone is welcome.

We'll be:
• Sharing mending skills
• Exchanging resources and ideas
• Repairing clothing together in community

Do you know how to mend?

Want to volunteer?

Contact .comlaurie_anderson or just show up!

The Free Store is always in need of the following new and unopened supplies:

Cleaning Supplies
Laundry detergent
Toiletries
Personal hygiene items
Paper Products
Toilet paper
Paper towels

Thank you for supporting our community!

06/15/2026

Hey 611 Friends! I know we're on a break right now, but just in case you're interested in gathering items in the meantime:

Urgent:
Sugar
Coffee (instant is preferred)
Tea
Cooking oil
White rice (white only)
Baby safe soap

Items that move fast:
Sunglasses
Journals
Scented candles
Action figures
Purses
Makeup (new & unopened)
Hair styling products (new)

Always:
Laundry detergent
Toilet paper
Paper towels

We are out of (undamaged, anything else we won't use):
Bath and Beach Towels
Pots & pans
Tupperware
Brooms
Mops

https://temporal-wakeboard-883.notion.site/611-Collective-June-Hours-Events-d79a749481ab46fb9b710b4d8a293169

Please no dumping. No winter items, no past holiday items, nothing with dates that have passed, promotional swag or summer camp tees.

JUNE AT 611

06/15/2026

Good morning 611 Friends!

Lucky Find is happening Tuesday, June 16 at 611!

A special shopping day for people who love the thrill of a good secondhand find.

Lucky Find features a carefully curated selection of donated items and helps financially sustain 611 while preserving free store appointments for people seeking food access and high-need essentials.

Reserve a spot:
https://calendly.com/611freestore/luckyfind?month=2026-06

06/15/2026

Hi 611 friends, we're back.

After a short break, 611 is jumping right back in this week with several ways to support the space, meet new people, share skills, and help keep this project going.

As we move into summer with limited hours, we're working hard to keep essentials moving out the door, keep food accessible, maintain the free store, and continue building a space that people can count on.

Here's what's happening this week and beyond:

LUCKY FIND
Tuesday, June 16

A special shopping day for people who love the thrill of a good secondhand find.

Lucky Find features a carefully curated selection of donated items and helps financially sustain 611 while preserving free store appointments for people seeking food access and high-need essentials.

Reserve a spot:
https://calendly.com/611freestore/luckyfind?month=2026-06

THE DROP
Wednesday, June 17
5pm-8pm
21+

Part donation drive, part social night.

Bring something for the shelves, a snack to share, a project you're working on, or simply yourself. Stay for conversation, activities, and a chance to connect with other people who help make 611 possible.

MENDING CIRCLE
Friday, June 19
4pm-8pm

Bring clothing or textiles that need repair, learn basic mending skills, help repair items for others, or simply sit and work alongside people.

Free to attend.

THE COMMON TABLE
Friday, June 26
7pm-9:30pm
21+

A shared dinner series centered around pantry staples, recipe sharing, and gathering around the foods many of us already have at home.

Everyone brings a prepared dish connected to the evening's theme, shares a meal, and helps support food access efforts. Any extra food goes to local community fridges.

Food themes and details:
https://tinyurl.com/611junetable

If you'd like to help keep 611 open but can't make it to an event, financial support is especially appreciated right now.

As we continue finalizing fundraising systems following our recent 501(c)(3) approval, support can currently be made through:

• GoFundMe
• Checks payable to "611 Collective"
• Cash donations given directly to our team

Every contribution helps cover rent, free store operations, essentials distribution, organizational expenses, and community programming.

Support 611:
https://gofund.me/3020b7df5

Calendar and schedule updates:
https://tinyurl.com/611Calendar

Save this link. It's the easiest way to keep up with what's happening at 611.

611 South Blvd
Evanston, IL

Please note: the space is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.