The Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST) inaugurated a free store on August 20, 2026 at the Recreation Center of Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. The new outlet provides clothing, toiletries, bedding and a range of additional items at no cost to members of the backstretch community, a group that includes stable hands, grooms and other race‑track support staff.
BEST, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting backstretch employees, launched the store as part of its ongoing effort to address basic needs among workers who often face limited access to essential supplies. By situating the store within the race‑course’s recreation center, the group aims to make assistance readily available in a familiar location for its target audience.
The free store operates on a donation‑based model. Community members and supporters are invited to contribute items between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day, ensuring a steady flow of goods that can be redistributed to those in need. All donated articles are sorted and displayed for immediate pick‑up, allowing backstretch employees to obtain necessities without financial burden.
The opening of the store underscores BEST’s commitment to bolstering the welfare of the backstretch workforce, a segment integral to the daily operations of Saratoga Race Course. By offering essential goods such as clothing, personal hygiene products and bedding, the organization seeks to alleviate some of the everyday challenges faced by these workers.
Local volunteers and race‑course staff assisted with the store’s setup and continue to help manage donations during the designated hours. BEST encourages ongoing community participation to sustain the inventory and expand the range of items available. The free store represents a tangible resource for backstretch employees, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that underpins the Saratoga racing community.
As the initiative moves forward, BEST plans to maintain the donation schedule of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., inviting continued generosity from the public and ensuring that the backstretch community remains supported throughout the racing season.