Find bargains and treasures at Immanuel's Giant Indoor Garage Sale July 18-20
Immanuel Lutheran's Giant Indoor Garage Sale will be July 18-20 at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, 950 Hart Road, Batavia. Sale hours are: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Saturday is also half-price day and the last hour will be the Bag Sale for $5. Visit www.ilsbatavia.org.
Cindy Rueffer has been heading up the garage sale since 2006. This is a big undertaking and the planning and work is year-round, starting in August right after the sale while it is still fresh in the minds of the workers.
Many volunteers help to make the sale run smoothly and successfully. Anyone from middle-schoolers on up can help before, during, and after the sale.
"This is a unique ministry. But it's a great time to catch up with friends, work your own hours, have some laughs and help others. God has blessed us with helpers that have a heart to help in this special ministry," Rueffer said. "I'm very grateful for them - even non-Immanuel buddies who just like to help a great cause."
Looking for some nice furniture, a bike or toy, or maybe some clothing for your family. You can find a great variety of those items plus hundreds more that cover all categories from books and DVDs to holiday decorations and china.
You could find an unusual item such as a dentist chair which was donated one year! Three people actually came on Saturday (half-price day) to get it. The winners were a couple of young men who were going to use it in a haunted house!
The money from the garage sale is used to help in various ways at Immanuel. Every year funds are raised for wish list items not included in the church budget. Some of the items over the years include metal folding chairs, blinds in the gym, appliances for the kitchen, new entrance doors, carpeting, and more. This year's money will be used to fund new outdoor lawn equipment and updates to church and school conference rooms.
When asked what happens to items not sold, Rueffer replied, "Over the years, we've had many organizations share in our bounty. First, we allow Immanuel teachers to 'shop' for their classrooms (if they volunteer to work). We also let CHIP-IN and the Batavia Clothes Closet shop during our Bag Sale for free. We have other churches ask for donations for their sales or clothing giveaways, so they are also invited to shop during the Bag Sale for free. We've been blessed to be able to help numerous other charitable organizations over the years."
Rueffer recalled some memorable moments that happened during previous garage sales.
A young man going on his first job interviews. The lady volunteers found him a suit, shirt, tie, shoes and briefcase - all for under $10. The grin on his face was awesome!
The mom who said through tears, "Thank you for doing this sale every year. It is how I do my back-to-school shopping."
The new teachers who furnish their classrooms with books, games, and DVDs.
It takes a lot of motivation to tackle such a huge job, year after year.
Rueffer summed it up this way, "Everyone has gifts and talents to share. We all pick that thing that motivates us and gives us joy. This ministry event brings all ages together during preparation and participation. This ministry is what our family is passionate about, trying to help others and having fun! I have people around town ask me when the garage sale is every year. I guess we have a tradition - and a good one at that!
"It isn't about the stuff we sell or the money we earn to buy the extra items for Immanuel Church and School. We are abundantly blessed at Immanuel and this event really lets us bless others," Rueffer said. "Our true work is in helping others: giving hugs, sharing smiles, and scatting acts kindness among everyone who walks through our doors."