United Church Thrift Sale in 43rd year

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

For the past 43 years, the Strathmore United Church has held two thrift sales a year, drawing in thousands of thrifty shoppers searching for bargains, while simultaneously raising funds to support the church and to donate to local, provincial and international causes.
“We are blessed with very broad support from the community and beyond,” said Sharon White with the Strathmore United Church. “These folks donate, volunteer and purchase items. We have seen families grow over the years and see their children and grandchildren coming to sales. We know by the actions and words of our customers what these sales have come to mean to them and we are grateful for it as are they.”
Last year alone proceeds not only supported the church but also the Wheatland Crisis Society, Strathmore and Wheatland County Christmas Hamper Society, the Strathmore Handi-Bus, Wheatland and Area Hospice Society and School Fuel programs, locally. Provincially they donated to St. Stephen’s College, the Mustard Seed, Calgary Drop-in Centre, Calgary Urban Project Society and the Bissell Centre. National programs they supported were St. Andrew’s College, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Friends of the Observer and the Women’s Interchurch Council of Canada.
The event has nearly quadrupled in size over the years moving from only filling the church basement to including the main floor, followed by the upper floor and then moving to include an outside area where a large shed was built to also hold donations. The three-day sale takes weeks to prepare and many volunteers to put on.
Many types of items are not accepted as donations for the sale such as large furniture pre-authorized by a volunteer, appliances, mattresses, water coolers, televisions and console televisions, computers, printers, scanners, organs and pianos, sofa beds, exercise equipment, VHS movies, baby and child car seats and any items that are broken or do not work.
“These items are not accepted for various reasons. Some are unsalable, some need Freon removed (which is) an extra expense for us, car seats are illegal to sell, large furniture, appliances and sofa beds are too heavy and unwieldy for us to handle and space becomes an issue,” said White, adding that almost everything else is accepted.
Accepted items include clothing in all sizes for men, women and children, shoes, purses, accessories, household items, small appliances, garden and yard items, books, CD’s, records, seasonal decorations, jewelry, toys, games and puzzles, antique items and more. There will also be a “quality item” room for more luxurious items which are marked at a higher price.
Donations will be accepted between April 29 and May 2. Volunteers will begin sorting the items on April 29 and anything kept outdoors can be purchased at any time after April 29. Books are available for purchase after April 30 and the sale on all other items will run from May 2 to 4.
Contact the church at 403-934-3025 or volunteers at either 403-934-3118 or 403-813-9149 with any questions.