Schools are not just spaces where students go to learn. In some cases, families rely on schools for much more than education.
In Pilsen, a Chicago Public Schools leader has opened a free store to help those in need. It’s called La Tiendita, which in English, translates to the Little Shop.
“We put some events over the winter to do winter drives, and it came to my mind that the community needs help that is more sustainable, and I came up with this idea to open some type of store and thought of La Tiendita,” said Victoria Infante, who oversees free programming at 35 schools.
The shop is located inside a Chicago Public Schools Parent University, which offers classes and workshops on topics like financial literacy, career development and more.
“The way I see it is people can come here and learn English because we have ESL classes, and they can get cleaning supplies that they need — take a little stress from our families and add to the services and programs that we have here,” Infante said.
Infante said she has received an outpouring of support since the shop opened.
“The way we set up the store with the help of my volunteers is, like, you are going to a department store,” Infante said. “And we have clothes, shoes, and then we have toiletries, cleaning supplies and even toys. The kids come, and they play with their toys.”
It’s a one-stop shop for families to receive free immediate necessities, a space where Infante said families in need or people from nearby shelters can come in without judgment.
“I want people to come here to feel safe, to feel they are part of a community and belong,” Infante said. “It’s very important when you are an immigrant because you are very alone and you need something that connects you with your roots.”
The shop is looking to open on a daily basis.
“Right now, it’s just me and another person,” Infante said. “If we want to open La Tiendita every day, that would be my desire and wish. I need the support of the community.”
For more information or to donate, Infante can be reached at [email protected]. An Amazon wishlist can be found here.
