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

Store Hours
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
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

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.