Capitalist economist Milton Friedman famously said, “there is not such thing as a free lunch.” He was wrong.

The Flyover Infoshop, a community center and hub for radical activity, is hosting a “Free Store” from 12-6 p.m Saturday at 214 N. Washington St.

Items such as clothing, food and tools will be available to those in need. The event’s hosts are encouraging community members to drop off any usable items they can contribute.

“It’s the only true free market in Carbondale,” event facilitator Ferris McEvoy said. “Everything is free, everything is donated — donated by the people, for the people.”

McEvoy said the free sale is a way of connecting the community and helping others. 

“One of the purposes of the Infoshop is to create community solidarity,” she said. “One of the most effective, short-term ways to create solidarity is the disbursement of resources and disbursement of power.”

She said a lot of people grow up in homes where there is more materialistic goods than open space. 

“A lot of us in this generation grew up in houses that were full of crap, decorative stuff, little vases with wooden sticks in them, fake fruit and tables that you weren’t allowed to use,” she said. “I grew up in a house with toys that I wasn’t allowed to use. I think a lot of us find some freedom in living in a space where need is either something that we love or something that we use.”

She said while these things are meant to liven up the home, however, some people cannot afford items they want or need.

For this reason, Flyover is accepting donations, which can be brought by the shop Friday or Saturday.

Jeff Miller, from Lawrence, Kan., is on a solo cross-country bicycle trip and decided to stop in Carbondale. He learned about the Infoshop at a local bike shop.

Miller said he is excited for the free store because he could use a few things like food, a windbreaker and bike accessories.

He was not planning a lengthy stay in Carbondale, but after discovering the Infoshop he decided to extend his visit.

“Carbondale [is] awesome,” he said. “It’s like the first functional town that I have come across on my entire trip.”

Facilitators can be reached at the Flyover Infoshop Facebook page or via email at [email protected].

Sam Beard can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @SamBeard_DE.