LEXINGTON, Ohio — Preparations for the Lexington Senior Civic Center Rummage Sale 2015 have been gaining momentum recently, having first begun about a week after last year’s sale.
“It never really stops,” said Brenda Wilson, Director of the Lexington Senior Civic Center and sale coordinator. Since fall of last year, Wilson has been cleaning, organizing and sorting items. Each year, she devotes about 1,900 hours to the sale.
Why?
“It’s all about the seniors,” she said. One-hundred percent of the proceeds go toward the Lexington Senior Civic Center, a nonprofit entity that provides education, health screenings, nutrition, information, transportation and entertainment for seniors.
Wilson said the sale originally began to help pay for the seniors’ trips. “Now, the rummage sale has become our major fundraiser and because the people are so generous, we are not only able to set aside funds for the seniors and their trips, but also assist in purchasing equipment, paying for utilities and many other projects necessary to keep the doors open at the center,” she stated.
She added, “Although the village donates money to the center, it is the goal of the seniors to become self-sufficient. We do not wish to cut off the village, but rather show them that we are trying our best to not burden others.”
The sale will be held Aug. 13 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 265 S. Mill St. in Lexington (the former NEER building). It will be held in the same building as last year but is being moved to the south side of the property.
“Having the factory allows us to become creative and use the property to its full advantage,” Wilson said.
New this year is usage of the front offices, each of which have its own theme, such as travel, arts, crafts and electronics.
Lexington resident and business owner Keith Bacin praised Wilson for the hard work she’s invested into the sale year after year. Organizing the sale is “such a monstrous task,” he said, “And Brenda really puts her whole heart into it.
“It’s a labor of love for her.”
Wilson was quick to thank those who have helped, including the American Heritage Girls who helped with the cleaning. “I was crying because of all their work,” said Wilson. “It would have taken me weeks without their help.”
Additional help is always welcomed; those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Wilson at 419-884-7283.
Information on how to donate items can also be found by calling 419-884-7283. Wilson noted that there isn’t a deadline to donate. “Sometimes people donate the day of the sale,” she said.
Each item is make-offer only.
Wilson said last year’s sale raised over $15,000 and hopes to increase that by about $2,000 this year.
Again, she noted the importance of the sale and why she enjoys working with the seniors. “I look into the eyes of our elderly and I witness love, life and souls that are to be treasured forever,” she stated. “It is my goal to keep these treasured souls active–to have them keep moving and sharing as much as they can of the life they lived and learned.
“I know the activity of the mind and body is necessary to stay alive, and that is my intent: keeping them active as long as I am able.”
