With concerts on hold, Drkmttr volunteers Molly McCarthy and Bassam Habib decided to put the DIY music venue’s unused showroom to good use. They founded the Nashville Free Store and filled the East Side space with donated produce, pantry necessities, school supplies, cleaning products, toiletries and more, all made available to the community for the low price of free. They’ve used social media and flyering to get the word out, and now scores of shoppers come grab what they need every Saturday, with no questions asked.
After the tornado in March, the leaders of North Nashville-based community activist organization Gideon’s Army put out a call for donations — clothes, food, cash, anything folks would need after the disaster. And, wow, did Nashville come through. Gideon’s Army received so many donations that they had to pause intake to catch up. Out of that kindness, GidsCity was created. GidsCity is a free, by-appointment shopping experience where individuals and families living in North Nashville can browse the racks, with the help of a personal shopper, to pick out new clothes, shoes and accessories. Our city is better and stronger thanks to the good work Gideon’s Army puts into it.
Neither the Nashville Free Store nor GidsCity could stay stocked without the community coming together, so this BON award is for you too, Nashville. MEGAN SELING
