Hundreds of chairs, dozens of sofas, countless boxes of clothing and piles of knick-knacks and necessities, from televisions and toasters to Christmas stockings and coasters, can all be purchased at the Gainesville Civic Center this weekend.
The Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County has kicked off its 50th annual thrift sale benefiting league programs. A seemingly endless supply of gently used items can be purchased at affordable prices from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and admission is $1.
“We have everything from furniture to bedding, toys and clothes,” said Julie Vaughn, co-chair of the thrift sale.
Vaughn and other Junior League members opened the event Thursday with a double-priced preview sale. Items began selling quickly, but Vaughn said there would be plenty left for the Saturday sale.
The sale is a good opportunity for people to get items they might otherwise not have been able to afford, according to Vaughn’s co-chair, Emily Drummonds.
“Everything then will be regularly priced,” Vaughn said. “And the funds from it go out into the community for women’s and children’s charities in need.”
The ground level of the civic center features furniture and electronics for sale. Televisions, living room and bedroom furniture, washers and dryers and even an upright piano were for sale Thursday.
On the second story, shoppers will find long tables stacked with clothing, holiday home decor, lamps, kitchen goods and more in the main ballroom. Around the perimeter of the room, everything from bicycles to lawnmowers and window blinds can be found.
A separate, slightly smaller room is also dedicated to children’s items, including toys, strollers, high chairs and more.
Cheryl Martin of Gainesville visited the sale Thursday and was looking at a table of well-priced Christmas goods.
“There’s a lot, and you’ve got to be patient,” Martin said, as she found sets of coasters, priced $1 per set. “But you can find nice stuff for a great price.”
The sale is one of the Junior League’s biggest fundraisers of the year, and the league’s operating budget is dependent on the sale. Despite a little rain at the start of the preview sale Thursday, Vaughn was optimistic about the attendance.
“We are hoping for a huge success and a large turnout,” Vaughn said. “We have a lot of great items, so I’m hoping the rain won’t keep people away. We’ve got a lot of good things for them to see.”
Annual thrift sale
What: Event benefiting Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green St. NE, Gainesville
Admission: $1 per person
More info: www.gainesvillehalljuniorleague.org or call 770-535-1951