Since college, Jodi Fleurie-Wohlleb has wanted to run a store that provides items for free to people in need. She admits it was an odd dream — how do you fund something like that?
But she’s made her dream come true. In November 2024, Fleurie-Wohlleb opened the nonprofit Re-Treasured Community Closet in a small space in her hometown of Groton. As the need has increased, she’s moved to progressively bigger spaces, and, earlier this month, set up shop inside a former parsonage building on Scott Highway. Along with clothing and household goods, the shop stocks food, including meat and fresh produce, and has space for people to sit and chat, drink coffee, and enjoy a free snack.
“We’re really committed to ensuring that our community is well taken care of in a very geographically isolated place,” Fleurie-Wohlleb said.
Many goods are donated, though her nonprofit will buy a specific item, such as a winter coat in a certain size, for someone who asks for it. She’s partnered with the Vermont Foodbank, which provides free or discounted items. Otherwise, she and her husband pay for rent, insurance and other expenses that monetary donations and grants don’t cover.
The spot is open each Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m., but Fleurie-Wohlleb is there five days a week, accepting donations and organizing the space. She’s reminded of why she works so hard when she greets customers each week.
“We have a number of people who come here on Thursdays, and they do shop around, but they’re really here just to kind of hear what’s going on in Groton or share a story about a new grandchild or, you know, an ailment or an upcoming surgery,” Fleurie-Wohlleb said. “And so, it really serves as not only a place for necessities but also very much a social hub in the community.”
The original print version of this article was headlined “Open Closet”
This article appears in October 14 • 2026.
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