Charity Highlight: The Free Store

CLOVER, SC - The Free Store is a community help center geared towards providing free goods to our community. The store is located at Clover First Assembly and is on April 19th and Nov. 22 from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm or until empty.

Kier Hopkins-Smith and Elicia "Starr" Hopkins-Smith created the Free Store once they recognized a need for outreach centers in Clover. The Free Store allows people in need to get items for free, such as: home goods, dry food items, clothes, toys, and more.

They also provide free meals catered by the Hopkin-Smith's barbecue business called Lil Hop’s BBQ. They provide brisket, pulled pork, mac n cheese, and other sides, to anyone hungry for barbecue with a mid-western flare.

The idea for the Free Store came from a church the Hopkin-Smith's attended in Indiana. Once they moved to Clover they weren’t sure how to help the community so they reused the idea for the Free Store as Clover lacks help centers for residents in need. They also created the organization called YES!, that provides volunteers to run the store. YES!, or Youth Expressing Salvation, is a youth group open to anyone interested in Christianity. You don’t have to be Christian to join or attend, just have an interest in the faith, and want to help. The youth members volunteer and help run the store, with the Hopkin-Smith's children playing a role as well. The Free Store is truly family involved. The Hopkins-Smith family believes community service is important, with Kier stating “As God has freely given unto us, it is not just our obligation but our honor to give back”. Their family prioritizes giving back, and it is seen through their work.

The Free Store is held at Clover First Assembly located at 223 Church Street, Clover, SC. It will be held on April 22nd, and again on November 22nd, from 12:30 till 3:30, or until empty.

If you wish to attend, volunteer, or donate, please reach out! For anyone interested in coming to the store or donating goods, please contact their email powerinmytestimony@gmail.com. Clean and gently used items are accepted, and greatly appreciated. Anyone interested in Lil Hop’s BBQ can find their Facebook and Instagram under the same name!

York County Council listens to D2 residents: Approves impact fees

By By Evan Frintner, CHS Junior and Kelly Clark, Roaring Eagle Editor-In-Chief • November 18, 2025
York County Council listens to D2 residents: Approves impact fees 

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