The 4th annual Spring Thing sidewalk sale, hosted by Valley Churches United Missions, returns Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, from 10am-5pm at its headquarters in Ben Lomond. Since its inception, the event has grown into a vibrant, treasure-filled fundraiser that directly supports local families in need.
“It started because we had too much stuff,” said volunteer Linnea Donlin with a laugh. “It was during our annual Christmas shop, and we just kept getting more and more donations. We didn’t know what to do with them all, so someone said, ‘Why don’t we do a street sale in the spring?’ And that’s how the Spring Thing was born.”
What began as a simple idea has evolved into a two-day community event filled with antiques, household goods, yard décor, collectibles and the kind of unexpected finds that keep shoppers coming back year after year.
For Donlin and fellow longtime volunteer Jeanne Sikes, the magic begins long before the first shopper arrives. It starts in the back rooms, opening boxes of donated items.
“We absolutely love going through junk,” Donlin said, smiling. “We open a box and say, ‘Jeanne, look at this!’ It’s like Christmas for us.”
Sikes nodded in agreement. “We don’t open anything without each other,” she added. “We double-team it, because it’s just so exciting. You never know what you’re going to find.”
That sense of discovery has only deepened in recent years, thanks to modern technology. The volunteers now use Google image-search tools to identify unusual or potentially valuable items, sometimes uncovering surprising histories behind what might otherwise look like ordinary trinkets.
“Some things we thought were worth $10 turned out to be worth much more,” Sikes said. “Now we take a little extra care, especially with jewelry and unique items.”
Still, the heart of the sale isn’t high-dollar collectibles but accessibility for shoppers. Most items are priced affordably—often just a few dollars—making it easy for families to browse, shop and take home something special.
And while the bargains draw people in, it’s the mission behind the sale that keeps them coming back.
“All the money we raise goes right back into the community,” explained Executive Director Danny Reber. While he only joined the organization in 2025, Reber has long sung its praises. “We run a year-round food pantry, and we help families with things like rent assistance or emergency needs,” he said. “It’s really about giving people a hand up, not a handout.”
That philosophy of neighbors helping neighbors has become a defining feature of Valley Churches. The organization relies heavily on community donations and volunteer support, creating what many describe as a “circle of gratitude,” a term that was coined by former executive director Lynn Robinson.
“You’d be surprised how many people who come to us for help later come back to volunteer or donate,” Reber said. “They remember what it meant to them.”
The Spring Thing plays a key role in sustaining those efforts. While the first year brought in around $1,000, the event has steadily grown, with organizers now hoping to raise between $5,000 and $7,000 this year.
That growth mirrors the increasing awareness and support from the community.
“People know about it now,” Donlin said. “They save things for us. They wait for the sale and come ready to shop.”
And it’s not just the spring event making an impact. The organization’s holiday gift shop raised an astonishing $22,000 last season—proof of what a committed group of volunteers can accomplish in a short amount of time.
“It still gives me goosebumps,” Sikes said. “When you think about how many $1 and $2 items it takes to reach that number—it’s incredible.”
Behind the scenes, dozens of volunteers help make it all happen, from sorting donations to setting up displays. Some, like sign-maker Judy Pawlak, contribute their talents quietly behind the scenes.
“Judy makes the most beautiful signs,” Donlin said. “Every holiday, every event, she just creates these amazing pieces that make everything feel special.”
This year’s Spring Thing will feature both outdoor and indoor shopping areas, making it a true “rain or shine” event. Even in past years when storms rolled through the valley, the sale carried on—another testament to the volunteers’ dedication.
And for those who haven’t attended before, organizers say it’s more than just a sale—it’s an experience.
“It’s like a giant neighborhood treasure hunt,” Donlin said. “You come to browse, and you end up finding something you didn’t even know you needed.”
But perhaps the most meaningful part happens after the tables are cleared and the last items are sold.
“The money comes in, and it goes right back out,” Danny said. “If you stand here long enough, you’ll see it happen—food coming in, food going out, people helping each other. That’s what this place is all about.”
VCUM’s Spring Fling will be held at 9400 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond, April 18-19, 10am-5pm. For those experiencing food insecurity, the VCUM pantry is open Tuesday-Thursday, 9am to noon—with senior hours from 9am-11am on the first and third Fridays of the month.
