The perennially popular White Elephant Sale (WES) hosted by the Ladies Benevolent Society of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme opens this morning with the first stroke of nine on the church clock. That’s when the crowds, who will have started gathering hours earlier behind the yellow tape marking off the church lawns, will rush for their first bargains.
For those new to the town or folk who have never participated, this 83rd annual sale is one of the main events on both the town and church calendars. Garage, tag and rummage sales may be everyday affairs, but few, if any, can match the size and color of this one.
The sale items are organized into some 20 departments that fill the church buildings as well as every available space on the lawn. The WES has grown so large that it has become a true “community event” since many of the donations are from non-church members and quite a number of volunteers are also from outside the church.
The sale raises a significant amount of money for missions and good works both locally and throughout the world. Some of the beneficiaries include food pantries, health organizations, family support centers, children’s programs, literacy volunteers, affordable housing, and disaster relief worldwide.
The sale will be held on Friday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, July 13, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Most departments offer items at half-price on the second day.
For more information about the sale or if you would like to volunteer to help in any capacity, whether with the sale itself, or clean-up, call the church office at 860.434.8686 and/or visit this link.
See you at The Sale!