Battle of the rummage sales! Tibbetts and West Side, day 1

(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
They insist they’re actually glad to both have their giant rummage sales – gigantic rummage sales – humongous rummage sales – whatever-you-want-to-call-them rummage sales – on the same two days in March. But “dueling rummage sales” conjures up a fun image anyway. Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) and West Side Presbyterian Church are both wrapping up day 1 of those mega-sales.

Both have outdoor merchandise as well as indoor, as you can see in the top two photos. Inside both churches, you will find tables and tables of stuff donated by hundreds of families. At Tibbetts, Marie and Floy were staffing the checkout line.

Browser’s paradise, both there and West Side:

Tibbetts continues till 4 pm today, and runs 9 am-3 pm tomorrow; WSPC continues till 5 pm today and runs 9 am-2 pm tomorrow. And if you love rummage sales, you will love West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, which we are organizing/sponsoring again this year – registration information soon; the big day is Saturday, May 14th.

2 Replies to "Battle of the rummage sales! Tibbetts and West Side, day 1"

  • Wendy Hughes-Jelen March 12, 2011 (1:24 am)

    Organizing the rummage sale – held twice a year historically – is a big job for the ladies at Tibbetts. For a month leading up to the actual sale they meet Monday thru Thursday from 9 AM to 2 PM to sort and price items donated for the sale. Then they call in the strong backs of the younger members (those under 60) to move items on Wednesday night for the final arranging which takes place on Thursday before the open of the sale on Friday.

    Prices are ridiculously low, in my mind, but the low prices at this sale are part of a 2-pronged mission: one, to earn money for the causes Tibbetts invests time and money on; two, to provide afforable quality household items, clothing, and toys for area families.

    Tibbetts members might need to find another group of folks, and another way of organizing, for this rummage sale if it is to continue. The ladies who have been organizing this sale for years, maybe decades, are retiring from the rummage sale biz and we need to find a new core group of people to organize the effort. The only problem is, who has 20 hours a week times lots of people to organize a rummage sale when they have jobs? I am not quite sure what the future of the Tibbetts rummage sale will be, but we will be sure to keep you posted.

    Wendy, Communications Committee

  • Florence Fiddler March 12, 2011 (3:10 pm)

    I hope they or someone can keep this going. I have shopped there for years for my foster home and have referred others too. The “other” rummage sale is really too high priced for some of us.
    I appreciate Tibbetts for resisting the urge for the big profit and supporting their local community this way year after year. I am all for supporting the good works everywhere but can’t always do that. Thank you Tibbetts, and thank you for all the children you have clothed over the years!!

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