Special to Iredell Free News

Iredell Community Outreach Association (Iredell COAST) has announced its plan to open a second variety store in Statesville.

The Iredell COAST Hidden Gem Variety Store will open its second location at 1662 East Broad Street in the Broad Street Station Shopping Center. The nonprofit will join current tenants Food Lion, Shang Hai Buffet, Little Ceasars, American Trade Furniture, and UHAUL.

A targeted Grand Opening is planned for July 6. The event will include a free community cookout.

“As we continue to reach out to our community and find ways to help those in need, we are excited about a second location,” Executive Director Joshua McCrary said. “The funds raised through this location will add to the outreach COAST currently provides, which includes the food pantry, annual back-to-school drive, and our annual Community Christmas Program which sponsors hundreds of local children with a meal and free Christmas gifts, perhaps our biggest event of the year.

“Our community has shown up and supported our outreach efforts and has proven that the need for food, clothing, and basic household needs is growing. The need for affordable merchandise is great. We are blessed to continue providing these items for our wonderful community,” he added.

The new location will further Iredell COAST’s outreach and continued mission to provide new and quality used items to residents of Statesville and the surrounding community at an affordable price. 

Iredell COAST occupied the former Blockbuster building on East Broad Street for six months in 2022 before relocating to make way for Urgent Care. Since then, the nonprofit has surveyed a need and has sought to find a viable location in the same area.

The Hidden Gem Variety Store on North Center Street will remain open and will continue to house the Iredell COAST Outreach Center, which serves thousands of community members each year with free food, clothing, and household needs.

Iredell COAST remains the only food pantry in Iredell County open six days a week. The nonprofit also sponsors local projects and events, including a recent donation to “Live to Skate,” another local nonprofit that is opening the first Skate Park in Statesville since the 1970s.

COAST also partners with AARP and the SCSEP to provide jobs to senior adults that are considered low income. The new location will add two additional SCSEP positions to the five they currently employ.

Hidden Gem #2 will be open to the public six days a week. Hours of operation will be Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations will be accepted during normal operating hours.

LEARN MORE

Visit www.IredellCOAST.com, stop by the current location at 833 North Center Street or call 704-380-0203.