Church Sales & Community Sales - The Must-Attend Events of the Season

I love garage sales. The thrill of the hunt, the quest for the best for less. Garage sales are great, but the real finds are at church, community sales (clubs and community centers), and large "everyone in the neighborhood participates" sales.

Last year I wasn't on my game for the summer (no energy for the hunt) and fell short when it came to fall clothes for the kids. This year, I've already started stockpiling for the fall.

A local church had a three-day sale with the last day $3 for all you can fit in a bag. For $9, I have around 45 pieces of clothing fitting two boys and our girl. Depending on the suburb, you can find NICE barely worn name items for cheap! Yes this sounds classist, but really, who buys their kids so many Abercrombe, Old Navy, Gymboree, etc. clothes that they are barely worn? And who cares, if my kids end up as beneficiaries of their excess?

We also went to a local "Friends with Benefits", no, that doesn't sound right, "Friends who Care", or whatever community center consignment sale. Consignment in this case means the sellers had a say in pricing the item, with hopes of selling and getting back 70%. Seeing as the sale was advertised as a "mothers and babies" sale, they didn't tap into the market of school age parents seeking good deals. A small rack for school age and few buyers means I bought clothes for the boys, brands like FUBAR and Abercrombe for $8-10 each. Jeans they can wear in the fall or for dress this summer, nicer than anything we'd ever buy. Tomorrow is 50% off day, so back in the morning to pick up the rest of the jeans if they're still available.

I believe these sales give back to the community. Parents on tight budgets, who have many kids, or who are just plain frugal can get nice clothes at huge discounts. Sometimes the clothes still have tags (see my note on wealthier suburbs and their sales). Mainly, our kids can stay in style without breaking our banks.

Hears to hoping they never gain fear of wearing used clothes!