By CHERYL ROMANO/Lincoln Chronicle
YACHATS — Need a haircut? Want to try acupuncture? Like to pick up reading glasses, clothes or household items? Those are just a few of the services and goods available Monday, June 9 at a free market called “Share Fair.”
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, the Yachats Community Presbyterian Church and Don’s Place will host their first such fair, open to all.
Although presented by Don’s Place, a five-unit shelter for the homeless located on church property, “This is open to everyone — not just the unhoused,” said Sally Pravel, one of the fair’s organizers and a member of the Don’s Place board.
Offered on a first-come, first-served basis, the free services and goods include: haircuts, massage, acupuncture, dog manicures, clothing, personal hygiene items, bicycle giveaways, tech support for laptops and cell phones, veterinary check-ups, sleeping bags, toys and more. Live music and free pizza will also be offered.
All the free services are offered by professionals in the Yachats-Waldport area.
The idea came from Pravel’s past work in Eugene, where she was involved in community outreach.
“We had a “Burrito Brigade’ that distributed burritos to anyone hungry, and I also helped with a Share Fair there and in Portland,” said the Yachats resident.
The date and time of the Yachats fair was chosen to coincide with open hours of the Yachats Food Pantry, which operates out of the church.
Pravel said the four-member executive committee of Don’s Place “Tries to think of new things to bring to Yachats that could be helpful,” and the fair is one result.
The event will be conducted outdoors in the church’s parking lot, which is accessed off of West Sixth Street or LaDeDa Lane. Pets are welcomed on leashes or in carriers.
“This fair is not just for patrons of the Food Pantry or the unhoused,” Pravel stressed. “Come enjoy the music, have lunch, and meet some neighbors outside your usual group.”
Donations are still welcomed. The only items not sought are large pieces, like furniture, or large electronics. Donations should be used or new, clean and serviceable.
To inquire about making donations, Pravel suggested stopping by the Presbyterian Church, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The contact there is Barbara Loza-Muriera, a church staffer and Don’s Place committee member.
Those who would like to offer services, or get more information, may call Pravel at 541-517-3625 or Loza-Muriera at the church 541-547-3400.
“If this works out, we hope to have a Share Fair a few times each year,” said Pravel.
Don’s Place is named after Don Dougherty, a longtime and well-regarded local homeless man who died in 2022 after being found unresponsive in his car.
- Cheryl Romano is a Yachats freelance reporter who contributes regularly to Lincoln Chronicle. She can be reached at Wordsell@gmail.com
This is wonderful! Thank you Sally and Morgen for organizing this. I hope this event is just the first of many of this kind to come. Congratulations for getting all the moving pieces into place.