Smile Politely

29th annual giant garage sale to benefit homeless pets

From the press release:

Donations of your unwanteds can help support the unwanted pets cared for by the Champaign County Humane Society.

For the 29th year, volunteers will present the biggest and best sale — the annual CCHS GIANT Garage Sale — during Memorial Day weekend.

Donations of good, usable, unbroken items will be accepted at Kesler Hall at the Champaign County Fairgrounds in Urbana from May 16 (Thursday) through 19 (Sunday). The spectacular sale runs 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 24 (Friday) and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 25 (Saturday). A $2 admission fee is charged from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday only. A $3 bag sale runs from 3–6 p.m. Saturday. A give-away of leftovers is set for 10 a.m. to noon May 26 (Sunday), with a $1 admission.

“The GIANT Garage Sale is one of two major fundraisers for the Humane Society,” said Mare Payne, the chair of the sale. “Last year we made more than $58,000 — another new record — for the care of the animals that come to the shelter.”

All proceeds support the work of the Champaign County Humane Society, 1911 E. Main St., Urbana. Well over a half million dollars have been raised in the history of the sale. 

Volunteers to sort, organize, sell, and clean up are needed beginning May 12 (Sunday), and continue through May 28 (Tuesday). An orientation for new volunteers will be at 6:30 p.m. May 14 (Tuesday). 

“The success of the sale — and it is very successful — depends on four factors: Generous donors who give their goods; committed volunteers who give their time; devoted shoppers who come seeking bargains; and all of the above who spread the word about this great sale,” Payne said.

What donations are accepted? Clothing, books, jewelry, housewares, small appliances, toys, tools, gardening supplies, holiday decorations, sports equipment, animal-care items, and other treasures no longer needed. Large pieces of furniture and large kitchen appliances, windows, doors, tires, paint, chemicals and sets of encyclopedias will not be accepted, but just about everything else is needed.

Last year, 150 volunteers contributed about 4,000 hours during the two weeks of the sale.

Those willing to volunteer should call the shelter at 344-7297, email, or visit our website.

QUICK FACTS

Sale Dates

Friday, May 24, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.: $2 fee from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 25, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.: $3 bag sale at 3 p.m.
Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m. to noon: give away; $1 fee

Donation Drop Off

At Kesler Hall, Champaign County Fairgrounds, Urbana

Thursday, May 16, noon to 7 p.m.
Friday, May 17, noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, May 19, noon to 3 p.m.

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