Urban Thrift- Sheridan Wyoming

Love was in the air Wednesday February 10th as I made my way from Ucross to Sheridan Wyoming . I was headed to Urban Thrift to meet and interview manager, Jenny Tribley.  Valentine's Day was right around the corner and Main Street shops were wearing their hearts on their windows.

Every thrift has a different vibe. Some are well organized but unimaginative. Some are unorganized but delightfully quirky. When I stepped into Urban Thrift, I knew I was in the well organized and inviting category. Jenny was right there to meet me. Masks on for COVID restrictions, we sat down in comfy chairs at the front of the store and began to talk.  Established six years ago, the store's proceeds benefit the Hub on Smith. Formerly the Sheridan Senior Citizen center, Jenny explained that the Hub's focus is the senior population but it's also a "multi-generational center," that seeks to benefit the whole community. 

When asked about Urban's mission statement and goals Jenny was quick to say, " To serve Sheridan and The Hub. To help ensure that seniors can live in their homes longer. To make people feel welcome with accessibility for all and to be a part of their life story." 

COVID has changed the way we live and work. A question I have posed to people in several different professions is, "Do you think there are good things that will come out of COVID. Are there things that COVID forced us to do that we will keep doing post pandemic?" Jenny's response was, "receiving donations! In the past it was drop off. Now it's by appointment only." This new policy has resulted in an uptick in quality and a chance to make a personal connection with the people donating. Life lesson... when you have to own up to what you are dropping off you do a better job of self sorting and cleaning! 

I found Jenny and all the staff to be engaged, helpful and fun. As I roamed around the store looking for textiles that would represent Urban Thrift, I kept being drawn to reds and pinks. Not my typical palette but these Life Rings aren't my story. The ring's center is a child's handstitched pillow sham representing the Hub's desire to benefit young and old not by separation but by inclusion. I also chose a red sweatshirt with the Powder Horn Country Club logo on it. People from every economic strata can do good and benefit from a classy resale shop can't they. 
Maybe all that red and pink was the Valentine's Day vibe in the air but I think it was just as much the warmth and well...love I felt from a staff that cared about what they were doing, the appearance of their store. and helping their community. Thanks for your service Urban Thrift.