Madison's first Timebank store officially opens its doors next week, on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
"We're going to be open in time for the big holiday shopping day," says Stephanie Rearick, Dane County's Timebank director.
The store is located in the heart of the Allied Drive neighborhood. Members can use Timebank dollars, earned by volunteering at nonprofits or providing other services, to buy clothing, toys and other items at the store. About 20 Allied residents are pitching in to run it.
Rearick says the store is still looking for donations to help stock its shelves. "Things people could give as gifts could be good," says Rearick. "We also want to make sure we have a steady supply of cleaning supplies, school supplies and household items."
The store will be open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 1 to 6 p.m. Rearick hopes Timebank members from all over the city will shop there; the goal is to "eventually have stores in other neighborhoods."