By Danielle Austin
Oct. 5 marked the first day of the Junior League of Savannah’s 65th Annual Thrift Sale. People of all ages lined up outside of the Civic Center eagerly waiting for the doors to open and the bargains to begin.
And boy did they begin.
“It’s like riding a roller coaster,” said Catherine Edwards, a nine-year Junior League volunteer. “People race in the door looking for the stuff they want and load up their tote bags and stuff and make like five, six, seven trips out to their car, come back, and start all over.”
With thrift items ranging from books to baby strollers covering almost every inch of the floor, it would be hard for someone not to find something to take home.
“All of our members donate at least $300 worth of thrift, so every year we have all kinds of different merchandise,” said Lisa Pinyan, Junior League of Savannah president.
Even though all the merchandise is donated, you don’t have to sift through a bunch of disheveled items to get to the quality ones. Shawn Lascelles a second-year sequential art major from Hoffman Estates, Ill. walked away with a stereo set worth a lot more than he paid. “My roommate has a similar one, same model, that he spent like $150 on and I bought mine for $12,” said Lascelles.
But the Thrift Sale isn’t just a bargain hunter’s dream come true — it’s also a great way to give back. All the proceeds from the Thrift Sale go directly into the community through Junior League improvement projects, scholarships and grants.
“This is our largest fundraiser of the year and we raise around $100,000,” said Pinyan. “It’s kind of like a double-serving purpose … not only do we get to raise so much money, but we get to provide a service for people who can’t afford some of the items they need.”
If you missed the Thrift Sale or want take full advantage of all the deals, it will continue on Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. All items will be 50 percent off and must be purchased with cash. Admission is $3.
