GAMBIER — A tradition of community service has been forged in the members and volunteers of Harcourt Parish Episcopal Church.
Each year the Harcourt Rummage Sale is held to benefit those in need and help the community in a special way. The sale will be held at Gambier Community Center on Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will continue on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m.
“What better way to see used items recycled into the hands of those that can use them rather than filling a landfill,” said Donna Lewis, chairwoman for the event.
In the spring, as Kenyon College students leave unwanted items or give old things away, volunteers gathers what is usable and store it in trailers to be sold later in the year at the rummage sale.
Things are priced very low, said Lewis, and are affordable for anyone to purchase.
Funds raised from this sale will go to help local organizations such as Interchurch Social Services and Habitat for Humanity. Funds will also be given to the Episcopal Relief and Development, a worldwide relief agency that helps communities in need.
Even with hard economic times, people have not failed to give in generous amounts.
“We have more things this year then we did last year,” said Lewis, adding that community members came in early in the week to drop off items for the rummage sale.
Printers, microwaves, miniature refrigerators, shelving, lamps, water filters, clothes, shoes and coats were there among the stacks of items. And even an array of unique items such as a cappuccino machine, a witches hat, a curling iron and other treasures to explore.
“There’s something for everyone,” said Lewis.
Volunteer Trudy Bush, worked in the children’s section to organize clothing, toys and more.
“I worked last year and each year there seems to be more,” said Bush. “This is a good place for parents to come to shop, a lot of the kids clothes are cute and gently worn.”
For some of the more fashionable, name-brand items, a room is set up just like a boutique for men’s, women’s and children’s apparel.
Volunteers Magic McBride and Kachen Kimmell worked in the boutique, arranging items for display.
“We have all kinds of lovely things for just about anyone,” said Kimmell. “Every year you never know what might show up.”
“We have lots of stuff that’s completely new,” said McBride. “It’s amazing what some people will throw away.”
