A sale for a cause

FINDLAY — For more than two decades, thrifters have known where to find a deal in Findlay. Every spring they head to the "Treasure Hunt For A Cause," hosted by the Christian Clearing House. "The sale typically raises about $60,000 annually," said Executive Director Tammy Stahl. "It is our biggest fundraiser." Donations may be taken to the greenhouse at Brinkman's Country Corner, 1800 E. Sandusky St., starting Saturday and continuing through March 7. Donation hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, Feb.21 and 28, and March 7. The actual sale will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 14, and from 1-4 p.m. March 15. 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. The first sale was held 21 years ago. Everything is donated. So if you've done some winter cleaning and come across an abundance of unwanted items tucked away in closets, drawers, attics and basements, Stahl said she's happy to take them off your hands in preparation for the two-day event. Past offerings have included belly dancing items, a rickshaw and stiletto Nike tennis shoes. Stahl said someone once donated a camel saddle. 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 said, adding that they're grateful for business' continued support. And Shirley Brinkman, an owner of the business, comes out and works the sale every year, said Stahl. All donations must be in good repair and resalable. 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 accepted. All donations are tax deductible, she said. 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 Friday, 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 12. 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 $60, 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 assists local individuals and families during financial emergencies. Stahl said they continue to see 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." People who never expected to use the agency's services end up at the door because they simply can't afford necessities, she noted. "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.