Osseo ‘Sidewalk Swap’ Offers Free Clothing, Accessories

This weekend in Osseo, a local nonprofit is holding a clothing swap designed to be good for people and the planet.

Community Exchange for Change held its first free “Sidewalk Swap” back in 2019. Since then, founder Danielle Nolan-Eickholt said its given hundreds of people a free place to shop for clothing, shoes and accessories.

On the day of the event, people are welcome to bring in items they no longer use and look around for things that they would.

The nonprofit was formed to raise awareness of clothing sustainability and to reduce textile waste. It also provides a dignified place for people to pick up clothes for free — no questions asked. All are welcome to stop by each swap in Nolan-Eickholt’s back yard. It has items for all sizes and stages of life.

“We want to be open to anybody, regardless of their background, their lived experiences. We are a place where everybody is equal, and everybody can shop with dignity and alongsgide everybody else,” Nolan-Eickholt said.

The swap takes place Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 33 77th Avenue NE in Osseo.

No one needs to bring a donation to pick up items at the swap. If you have items to donate, Nolan-Eickholt asks that you bring them in day-of. Items accepted include clean, good condition clothing, shoes and accessories.

You can learn more about the event and RSVP on Facebook. For those interested who can’t make it, other swaps will be held in July and September.

Any items that aren’t picked up are taken to another no-cost clothing market. This month’s beneficiary is The Swap Closet in St. Paul.

Danielle Nolan-Eickholt stands with a pile of items that will be available at the swap. This is just a small portion– most of the items will be donated day-of.

Osseo