BARGAIN HUNTING at a RUMMAGE SALE

Our church holds a rummage sale each fall. A rummage sale is like a giant yard sale, and with donations from members and friends, there is a huge collection of eclectic items not found in private yard or garage sales. It’s a win-win fundraiser because members can donate anything they wish to discard while the church makes a profit at a weekend event run by volunteers.
Donors can feel virtuous donating items to the church that result in cash instead of direct cash donations.
Moreover, the community can find bargains they’d not find at most thrift shops. It is truly “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”
Small items are unloaded in the social hall where tables are set up to display the goods. Large furniture and shoes are put into the hallway.
Although priced, each item can be bargained down to the purchaser’s offer.
From my experience as a volunteer worker, I have helped unload bags and boxes of donated “stuff.” Each bag is a grab bag that may contain treasures of new garments with tags still attached, or “gently used”clothing, kitchen appliances, books, planters, vases, children’s toys, large and small pieces of furniture and some unidentifiable.
But not infrequently, we workers are surprised finding goods that clearly belonged in the trash can. At our recent sale,I unloaded a bag that had a pair of shoes with dirty toe prints, frayed straps and worn heels.Perhaps it was the donor’s favorite pair, and unable to trash it, put it into the bag so someone unsentimental would discard them for her.
Another volunteer had to clean off the dust-encrusted filter bag of a newish shop vacuum perhaps junked because the dirty filter caused it to run perfunctorily. There were planters that had to be washed of remnants of potting soil and spider webs still stuck inside. And of course there were torn clothing, some shirts with white deodorant stains at the underarms, cracked bowls and chipped plates. You get the picture, not all donations are necessarily honorable.
As a shopper I was delighted to find Noritake stoneware in perfect condition priced under five dollars! The underside verified its authenticity it was Made in Japan. One year I found a rice cooker for a dollar that cooks perfect rice, and a West Virginia crackled glass vase.
Other bargain hunters happily showed off best seller books, jackets, slippers in unopened bags, brand new dresses, men’s wear and children’s clothing and toys. Also, handmade quilts and hand-knit sweaters, some crafter’s skillful work, but no longer treasured by descendant recipients.
Rummage sales are a lot of work for volunteers, but a great way to enjoy camaraderie among members working together for a short weekend fundraiser and bargain hunting by customers.