TM(Advertisement)
Tube City Community Media Inc. is seeking freelance writers to help cover city council, news and feature stories in McKeesport, Duquesne, White Oak and the neighboring communities. High school and college students seeking work experience are encouraged to apply; we are willing to work with students who need credit toward class assignments. Please send cover letter, resume, two writing samples and the name of a reference (an employer, supervisor, teacher, etc. -- not a relative) to tubecitytiger@gmail.com.
Ads start at $1 per day, minimum seven days.
Penn State’s Free Store Reopens for Fall
McKeesport location was reportedly first on a college campus
By Submitted Report
The Tube City Almanac
October 20, 2021
Posted in: Announcements
Penn State Greater Allegheny will reopen its Free Store 15132 this week, a spokeswoman said.
The store is located on the lower level of the Frable Building on the McKeesport campus.
A “free store” redistributes unwanted items in good condition to people that need them. The Free Store 15132 was originally opened in 2017 as part of Penn State Greater Allegheny’s Sustainability Signature Program. Available items may have ended up in landfills, but now have a new purpose for those with a need.
The concept was invented in San Francisco in the 1960s but was repopularlized locally by Giselle Fetterman, wife of then-Braddock mayor, now lieutentant governor, John Fetterman.
After Gisele Fetterman opened a Free Store in Braddock, Penn State Greater Allegheny adopted the concept. The McKeesport Free Store was reportedly the first to be opened on a college campus.
But the store was closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re excited to see the return of Free Store 15132,” said Zack Rosen, a Greater Allegheny campus spokesman “It is a staple for our campus and local community, providing slightly used goods to those with a need.”
The store reopened with special hours today and will resume regular operations on Thursday (Oct. 21).
According to Louise Aravich, residence life and student engagement coordinator on the McKeesport campus, members of the Student Government Association will volunteer in the store.
Fall hours are 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, and 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Fridays.
The facility accepts slightly used items — in good condition and free from stains, rips or tears — including women and men’s clothing and accessories (shoes, belts, hats, scarfs, etc.), baby and children’s clothing (bibs, onesies, shoes, hats, gloves, etc.), and small household items such as books, toys and other miscellaneous items.
“The Penn State Greater Allegheny Free Store has helped my students with career clothing and accessories that give them the confidence to speak in front of groups of diverse audiences,” said Rosemary Martinelli, chair of faculty senate and lecturer in business and communications at Greater Allegheny.
“Some classroom experiences don't — and can't — come out of a textbook,” she said. “Real-life learning takes all shapes and forms and, sometimes, students need to take on the role of the professionals they aspire to be.”
Originally published October 20, 2021.
In other news:
"Jerome Bridge Closure…" || "W.O. Council Seeks Co…"