Local churches are highly-efficient in organizing successful rummage and bake sales. Recently, this was evident inside St. Mary’s Church Parish Hall, 13320 Garden Plain Road, Morrison, IL. The third annual Rummage and Bake Sale was held Friday, October 4, and Saturday, October 5, 2013. The orderliness and arrangement of a multitude of items was impressive. Clearly, several hands had been at work to prepare.
Hours were Friday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. You could choose to “Buy a Bag” full of items on Friday for $2 or for $1 on Saturday, or simply purchase individual things. This included furniture, household items, clothes, gifts, seasonal decor, linens, lawn and garden, and sports and camping equipment. Monies raised would benefit “CCD instruction or anything the church needs.”
Focus is important; I need a plan when I attend such sales. However, if I see a bargain “impulse” buy–I pounce. On Friday, I was on a toy mission, with instructions to look also for 18 month boy clothing for my grandson.
It was pleasantly surprising that the small line of shoppers was admitted slightly before noon. Perhaps the kind parishoners took sympathy because of the rain. Inside, I quickly scanned the room, determining the layout. I received two plastic grocery bags and asked directions to children’s toys. Conveniently, they were in one area. The bags were crammed full in less than five minutes, and I felt very satisfied. The pressure was off. My goal was met.
I then slowly perused tables of boys’ clothes. What I bought was an unworn scarf for me. Because it fit into one of my $2 bags, I considered it a free item.
Some fresh-baked foods were made as a separate purchase.
For just $4, I bought a scarf and two bags of toddler toys for my daughter’s Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS) group. From St. May’s, Lana Nugent (at the cash box) called after I left, to ask if I were interested in a plastic bin of giant Lego blocks. Indeed, I was! For another $11, I acquired loads of construction fun and a place to store it.
A week later, my six-year-old granddaughter, Annabelle, and I built a palace–of course–arched gate, barn, garrison, and stable with the Legos. Yellow single blocks were hay bales. Grandson Isaac, at 18 months, liked climbing into the empty tub. He took possession of the cars and trucks, placing little men and women in the drivers’ seats, and scooting them across the floor. I had bought a few items for him to bang and throw, too.
Both Annabelle and Isaac have spent days testing the collection. Several MOPS children will soon get their turn, thanks to the parisioners at St. Mary’s Church.