I met Laurie Jillson at City Hall. She greeted me with bright eyes, an open smile and warm handshake. Her husband, Bill, had just been sworn in as our new city councilor. As we talked, her passion came right to the surface. She runs a free store at the Grace Bible Fellowship on 30 Sherer's Lane in Rockland. (That's off Old County Road, heading toward the West Meadow Road).

Every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, and Thursday nights from 5 to 7 p.m., Laurie gives away clothes, household goods, toys, and winter coats to anyone who shows up.

Everything in her store has been donated to her over the weekend. Sounds like it must be a small deal, but it’s not. She counted 150 people in eight hours last week. They travel from near and far, to take whatever they need from the tables and racks that fill up ¾ of the stage and the sanctuary as well.

“Because we are using the church, we have to break the store down every week.” she said. “ It's a lot of work, but I don't mind. Bill and the kids help me out. We all like to see the store help so many people.”

Laurie said the store is integrity-based, meaning people may take what they need without restriction.

“This is God's stuff. I just arrange things, ” she laughed. “ Last week a truck from North Haven dropped off 20 bags of clothes. Those clothes are already gone.”

I asked her what she needed.

She said: “I have two pressing concerns: Christmas and winter. I need Christmas toys and decorations. Winter coats, socks, mittens scarves, I need those. Toys can be gently used. We can repair, paint and mend them. I just want to have plenty to give away. It breaks my heart to think of any kid not getting something for Christmas. I know how hard times are for families. And yes, grownups need winter coats, too.”

So here it is, Rockland: You are invited to celebrate the Spirit of Christmas Present by giving what you don't need to Laurie. She will take care of it all and have herself a very Merry Christmas in doing so.

To donate, call 593-6591. The Elf Herself will answer.

Debby Atwell lives in Rockland.