City Vintage & Thrift

Sheboygan residents know the value of community support, especially when times get tough. City Vintage & Thrift, located at 1131 N 8th St, Sheboygan, WI, offers more than just vintage finds and thrifted treasures. Behind its storefront, Amy Sittman runs a unique Free Store that provides essential clothing for families in need, all at no cost. This initiative fills a vital gap in the community, especially during harsh winters and times of rising living expenses.

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A Community Resource Beyond Thrift Shopping

City Vintage & Thrift operates with regular hours from 9 AM to 5 PM six days a week, closing only on Tuesdays. While the front of the building welcomes shoppers looking for affordable vintage and thrift items, the back houses the Free Store. This space is dedicated entirely to clothing donations for families, focusing on newborns and children.

Amy Sittman created the Free Store to address a pressing need in Sheboygan. During extreme cold spells, such as temperatures dropping to negative 30 degrees, many families struggle to keep their children warm. With inflation and rising food costs, the Free Store offers a lifeline by providing clothing without any charge or limit on items.

How the Free Store Supports Sheboygan Families

The Free Store is open to anyone in the community, removing barriers some might face when seeking help from traditional sources like churches. Amy emphasizes that the store is a welcoming space for all, regardless of background or circumstance.

Volunteers and Amy estimate that between 100 and 300 people visit the Free Store each month. During warmer seasons, the demand increases so much that lines have formed outside the door for hours. This shows how critical the Free Store has become for many families in Sheboygan.

Community Partnerships and Support

Local businesses have stepped up to support the Free Store. For example, Paradigm Coffee and Music, a neighboring business, recently organized a masquerade-themed fundraiser. This event raised $3,500 to help cover rent and utilities for the Free Store, ensuring it can continue operating.

Maggie Hernandez from Paradigm expressed admiration for Amy’s work and the impact the Free Store has on the community. She highlighted the importance of spreading awareness so more people can access this resource, especially during difficult weather and economic conditions.

How You Can Help or Benefit

If you or someone you know needs clothing assistance, the Free Store welcomes all visitors without restrictions. Donations of clean, gently used clothing for newborns and children are always appreciated and help keep the store stocked.

Volunteering is another way to support the Free Store. Amy and her team rely on community members to help sort donations, assist visitors, and maintain the space.

Visit City Vintage & Thrift and the Free Store

• Address: 1131 N 8th St, Sheboygan, WI 53081

• Hours:

- Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM

- Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM

- Monday: 9 AM–5 PM

- Tuesday: Closed

- Wednesday: 9 AM–5 PM

- Thursday: 9 AM–5 PM

- Friday: 9 AM–5 PM

Whether you’re looking for unique vintage items or need support from the Free Store, City Vintage & Thrift stands as a valuable part of Sheboygan’s community fabric.