PLEASE NOTE: El Mercadito is not accepting clothing donations until February. We are at storage capacity so we ask that you please save your donations until February 1st.
PLEASE NOTE: El Mercadito is not accepting clothing donations until February. We are at storage capacity so we ask that you please save your donations until February 1st.
Please email to schedule a donation. Thank you for your support!
- Please do not leave donations outside/unattended -
El Mercadito Gratis
THE NEW MERCADITO GRATIS IS LOCATED AT 2124 S. ASHLAND AVE (21ST PLACE ENTRANCE)
• ONLY SCHEDULED CLOTHING DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED •
THE NEW MERCADITO GRATIS IS LOCATED AT 2124 S. ASHLAND AVE (21ST PLACE ENTRANCE) • ONLY SCHEDULED CLOTHING DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED •
El Mercadito Gratis is open for anyone in need of gently used clothes, housewares, and bedding. Before you visit, please note:
No appointment needed
No ID necessary but basic personal information is collected
Persons interested in pay-what-you-can model may use the Mercadito as a thrift store
We need help! Please sign up to volunteer at El Mercadito here.
| Sunday | 10:00 am - 1:30 pm |
| Monday | 10:00 am - 1:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am - 1:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am - 1:30 pm |
| Thursday | 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
| Friday | CLOSED |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
Donations Needed Currently:
Kitchenware: blenders, pressure cookers, stock pots, pots, pans, cutting boards, dishes, cups, glasses, utensils, kitchen towels
Housewares: bath towels, sheets & pillowcases, blankets, new pillows
Mercadito Policies
Clients can visit the Mercadito once per month
Masks are optional
There is a limit of 5 visitors in the Mercadito at one time
Clothing limits change and are based on current inventory
Clothes cannot be tried on
Sorry - No Returns
For Case Workers
You are welcome to shop on behalf of clients who are unable to visit El Mercadito Gratis in person. A valid ID is required.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us at donations@pilsenfoodpantry.com.
Volunteer at El Mercadito Gratis!
Volunteer Shifts
| Sunday | 9:00 am - 11:30 am |
| 11:30 am - 2:00 pm | Monday | 9:00 am - 11:30 am |
| 11:30 am - 2:00 pm | Tuesday | 9:00 am - 11:30 am |
| 11:30 am - 2:00 pm | Wednesday | 9:30 am - 11:30 am |
| 11:30 am - 2:00 pm | Thursday | 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm |
| 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Friday | CLOSED |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
Thrift Shop Pricing
Clothes at El Mercadito Gratis are always free. If you feel inclined to donate to El Mercadito in return for clothing, you are welcome to pay what you can.
To donate to El Mercadito Gratis, click here.

