Bargain-hunters by the hundreds - some 900 in the first hour alone - packed the Georgia Mountains Center Saturday morning for the Junior League's annual Harvest Thrift Sale.

Organizers say the crowd was one of the largest ever for the 43rd year of the sale.

Every year, the sale features the usual clothes, toys, household items, furniture, sporting goods, electronics and appliances.

This year, organizers added something new: designer items.

Along with the regular items, the sale featured a "designer's corner," with designer clothing and purses at discount prices, as well as the return of the "new shop," which features unused items donated from local businesses, said thrift sale co-chairwoman LeAnne Walters.

Organizers said the children's toys were sold out by 11 a.m.

Proceeds from the sale of items and the $1 entry fee will go to several Hall County charities and programs.

This year, a portion of the money raised will go to newly created WomenSource, a local resource that will connect women with services to help them achieve personal and professional success.

The annual sale usually raises about $20,000, according to Walters.