Miss Mayme’s Covered Wagon, a nonprofit thrift store operated by owner Mayme Schwartz, has scheduled a free holiday shopping event for Perry County residents on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The shop, at 512 Washington Street in Cannelton, will open to pre-registered families who may select clothing, toys and household items and receive complimentary gift wrapping. Registration is open through November 30 and, according to initial reporting, can be completed by phone or in person at the store.

The event was first reported by TristateHomepage.com on October 28, 2025, and corroborated by multiple posts in the private Facebook group News Now Perry County Indiana between October 29 and 31, where local residents announced volunteer sign-ups and circulated an event flyer. Organizers estimate roughly 20 volunteers will staff the day, including students from Perry Central High School fulfilling service-hour requirements. Perry County Community Services has promoted the drive in its newsletter, indicating a degree of coordination with established local support networks.

For many Perry County households the initiative addresses concrete gaps in access and affordability. The countywide poverty rate stands at 14.2%, and outside of Tell City retail options are sparse, leaving residents in Cannelton, Troy and outlying townships with fewer convenient choices for winter clothing and affordable gifts. Community donations that supply the thrift shop, together with volunteer labor, make the event possible; Miss Mayme’s has run similar holiday drives for three years and expanded the scope of the 2025 event in response to rising need documented in local food pantry reports.

Organizers and partner agencies say the event reduces direct financial pressure during a high-cost season, enabling parents and caregivers to provide presents and warm clothing without out-of-pocket expenses. The free shopping model also sidesteps some stigma associated with traditional charity distributions by allowing families to choose items that meet their needs.

Questions remain about operational details that will shape the event’s reach. Final registration numbers were not available at the time of reporting; registration remains open through November 30. It is also unclear whether transportation assistance will be provided for residents who lack reliable travel options from rural townships. Those gaps are significant in a county where limited transit options can prevent low-income households from accessing centralized services.

The initiative illustrates how small, community-driven organizations can fill immediate needs, but it also highlights larger policy issues about accessibility and the adequacy of local support systems. Tracking participation, measuring unmet demand, and addressing transportation barriers would help local officials and service providers determine whether similar programs should be scaled or supplemented with public resources.

Residents seeking to register or volunteer are advised to contact Miss Mayme’s Covered Wagon directly at its Washington Street location or consult the TristateHomepage coverage from October 28 for initial instructions. Further information may also be available through Perry County Community Services’ newsletter. The event represents a locally driven response to persistent economic strain, while underscoring the importance of transparent planning and coordination to ensure those most in need can participate.