Alberton unites to clothe and care for the vulnerable
Hundreds of Alberton’s most vulnerable received a reason to smile on May 31 as volunteers, churches, schools and local organisations came together for the annual Street Store.
Hundreds of Alberton’s most vulnerable residents were met with kindness, dignity, and warmth at the annual Street Store on the Ligstad grounds in Alberton North recently.
Led by Doxa Deo Meyersdal, the event drew 250 volunteers and offered those in need a chance to receive clothing, food, prayer, and encouragement in a setting designed to restore dignity, not just to hand out aid.
The Street Store concept, which originated in Cape Town in 2014 as a collaboration between M&C Saatchi Abel and The Haven Night Shelter, is built on the simple but powerful idea of allowing those in need to choose their clothing, turning a donation into a moment of dignity and care.
Since then, the model has been replicated in cities around the world, clothing more than a million people.
Locally, Doxa Deo has embraced the initiative not only as a community outreach project but as a deeply spiritual mission.
“We believe in living outwardly and serving our communities,” said Rene Cloete, who leads the church’s outreach projects.
“The Street Store is one of the most beautiful ways we do that. It shows the love of Jesus in a tangible way, reminding each person that they matter.”
Preparations for the event began as early as February. Generous people, schools, churches, and businesses donated clothes, shoes, toiletries, and non-perishable foods.
Volunteers sorted, cleaned, and repaired the items, ensuring the shoppers, many of whom face homelessness or extreme poverty, would be met with care, respect, and the dignity of choice.
“One of the most touching memories for me,” Cloete shared, “Were two boys who came asking for school shoes to get through the winter. Their gratitude made every moment of preparation worth it.”
On the day, the Ligstad grounds were transformed into a vibrant, pop-up store with clothes hung neatly on rails according to size and gender, and volunteers trained to greet every visitor with kindness and respect.
The site also offered a full experience for families: meals, toiletries, bread to take home, coffee, fruit, pancakes, juice, sweets, and crayons for the children, all thanks to countless donations.
While warm jackets, children’s items, and toiletries were plentiful, Rene noted that men’s clothing and smaller sizes remain in high demand each year.
The Street Store 2025 impacted 1 485 individuals, a number that speaks to the scale of need in the community and to the generosity that exists to meet it.
“Every person involved, whether from a school, a church, or an NGO, shared how blessed they felt. The event helped others and stirred compassion and unity among us,” Cloete said.
Street Store 2025 was one of 11 sites hosted by Doxa Deo churches across South Africa on the same day.
The first such event for Doxa Deo took place in Bloemfontein in 2015.
Ten years later, the movement has grown into a beautiful display of what can happen when compassion, faith, and community come together.
“We are proud of what we achieved,” said Cloete. “But our dream is to expand the Street Store into more areas across the East Rand to reach even more people in need.”
As for the future, Cloete encourages ongoing involvement.
“Anyone who wants to contribute, whether through donations, volunteering, or helping to spread awareness, is welcome.
I am always available to guide those who want to make a difference. Together, we can continue bringing hope to our communities, as one pair of shoes, one warm jacket, and one act of kindness at a time.”
In a Facebook post after the event, Ligstad thanked all who contributed:
“We extend our gratitude to Rene Cloete for her tireless efforts, as well as to volunteers from various NPOs, including the Alberton Lions, LOTS, Sole2Sole, Ligstad, and many others.
“Thank you to every volunteer who registered and every donation that helped make the day a great success.”
This year’s success was powered by the collaboration of churches, including: Doxa Deo Meyersdal, Impak Church, Elhohim, Beleef Gemeente, The Bridge, Alberton LewenSentrum, Grace Kombuis, NG Church Alberton West, NG Church Alberton South and St Francis of Assisi Anglican Church.
Five schools also made a huge impact through their donations and volunteer efforts. These are Trainkids, Alberton High School, Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School, Laerskool Randhart and Laerskool Orion.
