Little Thrift Store With Big Heart: Main Street's El Thrift Store Gives Away Warm Garments

EAST HAVEN, CT — The Good Things About East Haven Facebook page has a huge following. It's all about sharing the good stuff. And this is one of those very good things that led to more than 600 likes, dozens of shares and over 100 comments.

Last Saturday, the day before the winter storm struck and among the days of glacial cold that's gripped the region, El Thrift Store shared a post on the Good Things page: "For anyone in need of something to keep them warm. The store has a rack with jackets and long sleeve shirts free to take. There's also some blankets, gloves, socks, etc right next to it. No one should be cold."

The LGBTQIA+, Puerto Rican woman-owned shop, located at 218 Main St., in East Haven, opened in November 2025.

Owner Nadine Mate-Piovanetti sells secondhand stuff you need from clothing and shoes to household items and one-of-a-kind find knock-knacks, from art pieces to books, and lots more. It is also a consignment store, and gratefully accepts donations.

Read more about El Thrift Store here.

Check out El Thrift Store on Facebook here and Instagram here.

Visit the 218 Main St. shop Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 203-745-8250.