We hope you can become part of this important event that provides funds to run our Society. You can donate unneeded items. These enable us to have the sale. You can help set-up, price, and shop our big sale at St Patrick’s County Park, 50651 Laurel Rd, South Bend. The park is at the state line just east of the St. Joseph River. Donors can drop off items from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the 19th and from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the 20th and 21st. Shoppers come early. We always have a line before our 8:00 a.m. opening time. On Saturdays admission is charged at the park beginning at 10:00 a.m.

You can donate all kinds of household items like dishes, puzzles, toys, linens, sewing supplies, lamps, home office items, books and magazines, working electrical appliances, hobby items, pictures, bird related items, rugs, and furniture (except large stuffed). Popular items are clean clothing and jewelry for all ages. We sell a lot of holiday decorations and home decor items. Lawn and home shop items should not be overlooked. Plants, both divided perennials and houseplants, sell well. Please label each plant. The list could go on and on, but I think you have the idea. If you need someone to pick up your items, we have a few people who can do this. Call Heidi Gray at (574) 339-2675 and someone will pick up your donation. Home baked goods sell well. They can be brought with your other items or on the morning of the sale. If you are planning to come to our April meeting at the Elkhart Conservation Club, and you only have a box or two, bring it along and we’ll get it at the meeting.

The only things we cannot take are old TVs, VCRs, and large stuffed furniture. These things do not sell well and the service organizations that pick-up our leftovers do not want them. We would have to pay to dispose of these items.

You can also help with setup and pricing. On Wednesday, April 19th, beginning at 1:00 p.m., you can help setup tables, post signs, and begin pricing. We’ll be able to receive items after 2:00 p.m. On Thursday and Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. you can help receive, price, and distribute items to be sold.

We also need help on sale day. Cashiers, baggers, baked goods sellers, and general helpers are needed on April 22nd from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Help is especially needed during our first two “rush” hours. We have a light lunch for all day helpers in the small kitchen in the barn.

Clean up and packing is also very important. Usually, the early helpers are pretty tired by noon since some have been working since Wednesday, so it’s nice to have fresh helpers come in around noon to start combining items. Then we need help putting away unneeded tables, packing boxes, and finally making sure everything is clean and neat.

To volunteer for any of these, call Heidi Gray at (574) 339-2675, or just show up. We will also have a sign-up sheet at the April membership meeting.