End of the road for Freeland resource center

Three years after opening, the Whidbey Island Angels Resource Center in Freeland has closed.

By Kira Erickson • April 5, 2024 1:30 am
For the past four years, Cindy Buchanan has helped organize a network of volunteers known as Whidbey Island Angels. The resource center of the same name, which was located in Freeland, closed last week. (Photo provided)
For the past four years, Cindy Buchanan has helped organize a network of volunteers known as Whidbey Island Angels. The resource center of the same name, which was located in Freeland, closed last week. (Photo provided)

Three years after its opening, the Whidbey Island Angels Resource Center in Freeland has closed its doors.

The one-stop-shop had been a haven for South Whidbey residents seeking food, clothing, furniture and other essential items. The center in the middle of downtown Freeland operated as a drop-in free thrift store. Monetary donations were encouraged but not mandatory.

The center officially ceased operations at the end of March. All remaining items were donated to nonprofit organizations, including Garage of Blessings, Good Cheer, I Support the Girls, Mother Mentors, Readiness to Learn, Senior Thrift and Critters and Co. Pet Center and Rescue.

Since 2020, Cindy Buchanan, the leader of the grassroots organization, has been working with her network of “Island Angels” to connect people in need with vital resources, which may include pet food, access to a car or even employment. She kept a growing tally of those helped that ranged into the thousands.

In 2021, Buchanan opened the first Whidbey Island Angels Resource Center with the assistance of volunteers. Buchanan, the resource center and its network of volunteers quickly gained attention and recognition, including an award from the Red Cross. In 2023, the center moved into a bigger space down the street.

But Buchanan, who is still recovering from a serious injury and has been on leave from work for the past two months, is no longer able to keep things running when operating costs became more than she could afford. On top of being the head volunteer for the resource center, she also worked full-time at her own cleaning and concierge business.

“Donations weren’t strong (enough) to fortify it,” she said. “I couldn’t fortify it because I wasn’t working.”

Though the center is now shuttered, she has decided to keep the Facebook page of the same name open so people can continue to make connections across social media and receive help from the community. The Whidbey Island Angels will also still do Thanksgiving and Christmas programs in partnership with the island’s fire departments and the sheriff’s office.

“We have a lot of people who are really upset and disappointed, but I can only do so much,” she said of the resource center. “I’m gonna miss it and I enjoy it and I wish I could continue.”

When asked if she would someday reopen the resource center in some other location, Buchanan replied, “It’s possible.”