Bargains for Everyone

Bargains for Everyone
 
Some people go to find clothes and household items, some go to supplement their income, some go to make a living. No one knows what they'll find. It's like treasure hunting. No matter what, everyone loves a bargain, and a church rummage sale is the most likely place to find a wide selection of bargains in one place.
 
Luis Rodriguez, of our neighboring state of Sonora, drives to Phoenix twice a month to pick out quality used goods for his resale business in Mexico. He was there before the gates opened at a recent rummage sale held by St. Benedict's Parish at St. John Bosco School in Ahwatukee.  He used one of the big wagons provided for shoppers to carry his selections: camping gear, sports equipment, tables, shoes, and clothes. He squeezed his items into his truck as tightly as possible before moving on to more garage sales. Then he drove the six hour trip back to Hermosillo. The locals there will be happy to pay pre-owned prices for things they could otherwise not afford.
 
Eileen Sipes, of the Ahwatukee Foothills, shops at the rummage sale held at St. John Bosco School every year. She enjoys the plentiful selection of clothes, costumes, and household goods.
 
I spoke with a cheerful young volunteer, Flavia Bamuhiiga, as she helped organize a clothing table. She moved from Fort Portal, Uganda, to Ahwatukee last year and is working full time as a nurse. "My uncle, Father Bob, sponsored me in coming to America. I love my new country."
 
Pastor Bob Binta mingled with the shoppers sporting a bright orange Suns Jersey emblazoned across the back with "Father Bob." He warmly greeted everyone he saw. I was saddened when he described his battle with stage four lung cancer to me, quite a surprise to him since he has never smoked.
 
Hali Outhred, another Tukee resident, found shoes, blouses, a dress, sweater, Ann Taylor jacket, glass pitcher, umbrella, Japanese parasol for stylish sun protection, like-new leather backpack/purse, two pairs of reading glasses, five towels, and two silk scarves, for $13. "I've had a great time. I just love everything I got. I've never seen such a huge amount of stuff at one sale!" she said in her charming Aussie accent.
 
Rhonda Morrison, the owner of Ahwatukee Music, was there buying supplies for her business and a few household items. 
 
An avid E-bay seller, John, found a vintage wooden train for $5 and sold it online for $100 that afternoon.
 
I fared well at the rummage sale also, finding two pairs of sneakers, a sun hat, cloth paints for my scarf-making habit, two ornate vases, an unused large wallet which will perhaps keep me more organized, a stainless steel wastebasket with foot pedal and self-closing lid, a silk handkerchief to add to my collection of tree-saving hankies (no paper tissues needed), new socks, a belt, and work gloves (can't get enough with my gardening hobby). Total bill: $17.
 
See you around the neighborhood!
 
Please contact garagesalegirl@kellyathena.com with news on upcoming garage sales or other sustainable events.