This Garden City sale is held once a year. It’s been a thrifters’ paradise for 25 years
No one really knows how it got started, just that it’s been a community tradition for more than two decades.
For two days only each year, the residents of Ocean Pines in Garden City hold their White Elephant Sale, bringing nearly 1,000 people to peruse and purchase items that fill up two buildings in the community.
To get ready for the sale, volunteers spend the entire year accepting donations that are then stored before being priced and sold. Whatever is left after the sale is re-donated to a local nonprofit. Then, the volunteers start the process all over again.
It’s been the same way for about 30 years, said Kelley Watkins, president of the community’s activity committee.
This year’s sale will happen from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 21 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 22.
And although the sale starts at 8 a.m., people often begin lining up about 6 a.m., Watkins said.
“It’s an amazing, well-run event,” Watkins said.
What can you buy?
There are so many items that have been collected that they are located in two clubhouses and several tents.
The sale is operated by volunteers, mainly residents from the 600-home community that is for ages 55 and older.
“It’s a great way to meet your neighbors,” said Watkins, who has been involved with the sale for about two years.
In addition to spending the week preparing for the sale, volunteers also drive golf carts to transport shoppers to and from their vehicles and in between the clubhouses.
One clubhouse contains such things as jewelry, kitchen items, linens, electronics, home decor, office supplies and knick-knacks. The other has holiday items, books, games, DVDs and CDs, puzzles, artwork and craft supplies.
The tents are reserved for furniture and tools.
And, just in case customers get hungry while shopping, hot dog lunches are available for purchase.
The sale raises about $17,000, Watkins said. The money is used for resident events, such as potlucks, bingo, a luau and Octoberfest. The activity committee tries to have two to three events each month, Watkins said.
Saturday’s sale is full price, but on Sunday, shoppers have a chance to acquire items for half price.
But once the sale ends on Sunday, the items are packed up and donated to Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church’s ministries.
Volunteers then take a much-needed break in April, Watkins said, and start back again fresh in May.
Tips for the sale
There will be volunteers to help direct people coming in. But here are some things to keep in mind.
- Follow the signs for parking. You can walk, but depending on where your car is located, it could be a distance. It’s better and faster if you wait for a person on a golf cart that will transport you to one of the three areas.
- Don’t bring any animals.
- It’s cash only. Don’t bring any bills over $20.
- Prepare for the weather. You probably will have to wait in line to get inside the clubhouse as there are only so many people allowed in at a time.
- You may want to bring your own bag to carry your items.
- Pack your patience.
