Gail Hall on Thursday knew exactly what she wanted when she walked into the Georgia Mountains Center: a bargain.

Like hundreds of other attendees, Hall was at the center for the preview party of the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County’s annual Harvest Thrift Sale.

"I came last year," said Hall, who drove from Winder for the event. "So far, I’ve bought fall decorations and a treadmill. It’s really a great event."

The thrift sale starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at the mountains center.

"This is our 44th annual Harvest Thrift Sale," said Eliza Baker, Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County communications chairwoman. "This is one of the major fundraisers that we do each year."

Last year, the group raised about $20,000. The event raises money for various local agencies that the Junior League supports.

"We donate money to more than 35 nonprofit agencies that benefit women, children and families," Baker said. "One of the things that we are focused on this year is (eliminating) childhood obesity, so we are in the process of building a kitchen at (the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids). In the kitchen, children will be able to learn healthy and nutritious recipes; so some of the money that we raise from the thrift sale will go toward that project."

The goal of the event is two-fold.

"When it was started over 50 years ago, the (organizers) understood the sale could raise money for our league agencies and projects, but it could also help those people who may not be able to go into the store and purchase the items at the regular sale price," Hall said. "And even today, there’s still such a need."

Thousands of new and used items were neatly arranged by category throughout the facility. There was everything from children’s toys to office equipment, with prices ranging from 25 cents to $75 for the larger furniture pieces.

"There’s a lot of stuff to look through. You can really feel the excitement," said Angela Sims, who also traveled from Winder.

Although the event has been going on for many years, league members said this year is different from other years.

"We have a lot more furniture this year," said Jennifer Martin, event co-chairwoman. "And there’s a ton of linens. That’s always a favorite with shoppers."