JEFFERSON — As the mother of two, Rebekah McDowell knows how quickly children can outgrow their clothes and how expensive it can be to buy new ones.

As a self-described, "sucker for a good deal," McDowell sought out consignment sales as a way to not break the bank. It was while attending such a sale that she got the idea to launch the Lollipop Kids Consignment Sale in Jefferson.

"I was at a consignment sale in Gwinnett when it hit me that something like that would work well here in Jefferson," McDowell said.

Years down the line and nine sales later, McDowell’s hunch has proven correct.

"I started out with around 40 sellers and held the sale at my brother and sister-in-law’s house. We did it there twice before we had to expand to the (Jefferson) Civic Center," McDowell said. "People are lined up at the door, waiting for the doors to open. Someone once told me that this sale is like the opening of buck season for women."

The sale has blossomed to more than 300 consignment sellers and thousands of items, including clothing, bedding, books and furniture. It is held twice a year — once in February for spring and summer items and again in July for fall and winter items.

Although the sale started out as a way for McDowell to earn supplemental income as a then-stay-at-home mom, it has grown into so much more, she said. Not only do sellers get to earn extra cash, but buyers get to find items at a good price. And when there are items left over after the three-day sale, many sellers allow McDowell to donate the excess to area shelters and clothes closets for the needy.