Garage sale benefits people in need

Mark your calendars. Spring is on the horizon and that means its almost time for the Christian Clearing House's annual garage sale — "Treasure Hunt For A Cause." So if you've been doing some winter cleaning and found a plethora of unwanted items tucked away in closets, drawers, attics and basements, Executive Director Tammy Stahl said she'll happily take them off your hands in preparation for the multiday event that's held in March. "The sale typically raises about $50,000 annually," said Stahl. "It is our biggest fundraiser." Donations may be taken to the greenhouse at Brinkman's Country Corner, 1800 E. Sandusky St., starting Feb. 19 and continuing through March 9. Donation hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The actual sale will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 16 and 1-4 p.m. March 17. The second day is also "bag day," which offers shoppers a chance to fill a bag for $10. Prices on other items will be discounted. According to Stahl, the event started about 19 years ago. "And you never know what people will be donating," she said. "I've seen pretty much everything." Past offerings have included belly dancing items, a rickshaw and stiletto Nike tennis shoes. Stahl said someone donated a camel saddle last year. Another time she said a man donated a patio set, only to have his wife come back later and rebuy it. "You can have some family feuds over the garage sale," Stahl said, laughing. Every item will be priced. "So we try to stay a little bit below what they would be at a thrift store. But a lot of the people who are out there marking prices, they're garage salers so they have a pretty good idea," she said. Stahl noted that it's the volunteers who make this event happen. "And some volunteers just love the garage sale. That's all they come and work is the garage sale. They love to do garage sales," she said. "And it's fun. We have a lot of really great people out there that really work hard and are diligent about making sure we get everything right." Brinkman's has always provided them use of the greenhouse for the sale, she added. "And Shirley Brinkman, an owner of the business, comes out and works the sale every single year. She's just really a gem," said Stahl. All donations must be in good repair and resalable, she said. The organization does not accept pianos, organs, sleeper sofas or other heavy items, tubed televisions, entertainment centers, adult clothing or encyclopedias. Stahl said Sauder furniture does not sell either. "We end up just having to get rid of it, and we don't want to throw things away," she explained. If someone has a question about a possible donation, Stahl advises them to call the CCH office at 419-422-2222 and email a picture of the item if possible. Donations of books, toys, games, lamps, antiques and collectibles, household items, baskets, jewelry, smaller children's clothing and more are all accepted. All donations are tax deductible. CCH volunteers will provide limited pickup of larger items if the donations are on the ground floor. Call the office for details. If someone wants to drop off items prior to Feb. 19, they should also call the office and someone will meet them at the greenhouse, said Stahl. A "Velvet Chandelier" presale event will be held from 6-8 p.m. on March 14. Stahl said in addition to all the regular donations, there will be a special white elephant table featuring some of the more unusual items provided by donors this year. Tickets are $50, available at the CCH office, 1800 N. Blanchard St., Suite 107; at the greenhouse; or online at cchsupport.org . Add "Velvet Chandelier" in the comments along with an address and the tickets will be mailed. All of the money raised will assist local individuals and families during financial emergencies. Stahl said they have seen an increase in food needs in Hancock County. "We all know that the prices have skyrocketed in the stores," she said. "People in our community are struggling to keep food on the table as well as keeping up with rising rental and utility rates." The problem was compounded when SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) went to pre-pandemic allotments. In 2023, CCH issued food vouchers to 2,221 families for more than $230,000. "People who never expected to use our services end up at our door because they simply can't afford necessities. We are really concerned, and we're limited to how often we can help," said Stahl. "But we don't want anyone to go hungry so how do we accommodate them?" Rental assistance programs as well as utility assistance programs have also had a huge influx. "There's a real need for this money. Everything we raise goes to help," she said.