By 1808Delaware
United Way of Delaware County has turned a small retail space at Tanger Outlets into something warmer than a shop and more inviting than a booth. The Season of Giving pop-up sits beside Starbucks, and from the moment you step in, it feels like a place where neighbors are actually looking out for each other.
The shop is open Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM through the end of December. It’s an easy stop for anyone already at Tanger, but it’s doing real work behind the scenes.
A Drive That Meets a Real Need
The heart of the pop-up is the Children and Teen Winter Outerwear and Underwear Drive. Staff and volunteers are collecting sweatshirts, hats, gloves, coats, and underwear for local kids who need them. These aren’t fringe needs. They’re essentials that make school mornings bearable and winter less harsh for families trying to stretch every dollar.
Donations can be dropped directly into the bin inside the shop. If you’re unsure what to give, think practical and durable. This drive only helps when the items do.
More Than Donations
The Season of Giving also doubles as a meeting point. Partner agencies rotate through for casual coffee hours where visitors can ask questions without the formality of a scheduled appointment. You can get a feel for who is doing what in the county and where help is most needed.
There’s also free popcorn, which is a small thing, but it gets people through the door. Once they’re in, they tend to stay and talk.
Dates Worth Marking
A handful of special events are set throughout December. Each one adds something different to the mix.
December 6, 2025, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Gift Wrapping Fundraiser
December 12, 2025, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Coffee with Delaware County Hunger Alliance
December 13, 2025, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
STEM demonstration fun
December 18, 2025, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Coffee with Delaware County Against Human Trafficking Coalition
December 27, 2025, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Coffee with TreeHouse
A Quiet Thanks
United Way credits Tanger Outlets Columbus for offering the space, but the real gratitude is likely coming from the families who will leave this winter a little warmer than they started it.
It’s a small shop. But it’s doing work that’s anything but small.
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay
