Pam Ball said she is encouraged by media reports that thrift shops are thriving in the recession.
That's because, as president of the Junior League of Winston-Salem, Ball can expect a large turnout for what is, in essence, the biggest thrift sale every year in the city.
The Junior League's 55th annual Rummage Sale is expected to draw from 4,000 to 5,000 shoppers this weekend at the Joel Coliseum Annex and Education Building of the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds.
Organizers expect the final count to lean closer to the latter number because of the tough economic climate and the fact that forecasters call for good weather.
"It's a wonderful event for the community," Ball said. "It's kind of a win-win all the way around to do the recycling efforts, and the money goes back into the community and our customers get great deals."
Goods, some of which are new, are sold at discount prices. They include men's, women's and children's clothing; toys; furniture; housewares; electronics; appliances; books; linens; draperies; antiques; and holiday offerings.
The rummage sale will run from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. today and from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5 today, $3 through 12:30 p.m. Saturday and $1 for the "bag sale" starting at 1 p.m., when items that fit in a bag provided by the league sell for $5 a bag. Children under 12 get in free.
Organizers said they have plenty of items for sale and that the recession hasn't stopped people from making donations.
Ball said that thrift shops thrive in a recession for good reason. "It's because people are being more practical," she said. "Extravagance is not in."
She also said that many people have lost their jobs in the area and are looking for good deals.
Some local merchants told the league that this wasn't a good year for them to help, but other merchants increased their donations.
"We had some people who we were expecting a certain amount from, and they gave us five times that amount," Ball said.
The type of goods donated for the rummage sale change from year to year. For example, this year there are more antiques and fewer holiday items.
"Last year, we had this huge holiday department," said Jamie Marlowe, the chairwoman of the rummage sale, "and antiques were just normal."
Marlowe said that donations are still strong in the women's and men's departments.
The economy has helped change somewhat the way the league markets its rummage sale.
In the past, the organization has primarily used posters, community calendars and rummage-sale hanger magnets on members' cars to advertise the sale.
This year, the league has relied more on the Internet to help save money and attract customers. For example, the organization sent out e-mails to potential shoppers and used electronic community boards. It also started a Facebook page.
"We were trying to take a green event and make it even greener, but also use technology and help reduce some of our advertising costs," Ball said.
She said that the new marketing efforts have been successful, and have helped the league find new donors.
The Junior League of Winston-Salem Inc., which has more than 1,000 members, is a nonprofit organization of women that promotes volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the action and leadership of trained volunteers.
The rummage sale is the league's largest fundraiser. Money generated from the sale is used for community outreach, administration and volunteer training. Any items that do not sell are given to charitable organizations.
"We've become such a disposable society, and this is the ultimate in recycling," Ball said.
Stories from past sales abound.
"I remember last year or two years ago, somebody found $50 in a coat that went for $2," Marlowe said.
Ball recalled how a security officer found some old baseball cards at the 2008 sale.
"That was a treasure for somebody," she said. "Everybody's got their own treasures."
■ Fran Daniel can be reached at 727-7366 or at fdaniel@wsjournal.com.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement