Coalition starts summer garage sale fundraiser

     The Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition will be starting a new fundraiser this summer. They are going to have an on-going garage sale in Anamosa at the former LeFebure building that was most recently where the Body Solutions business had been. Jill Parham has generously donated the use of the empty building to the Coalition for the summer for this purpose.

     “Charlie Becker from Camp Courageous is on our Sustainability Task Force and suggested that we try this,” said Jennifer Husmann, project coordinator for the Coalition. “He thought Anamosa would be the perfect place to do this fundraiser.” The idea is to also have the public get more of a chance to see the great space and consider what businesses could make use of the building in the future.

     The Coalition has been having success with the Purse and Accessory Sale for the past seven years, which will be held Saturday, June 16, from 9-11 a.m. at the Lawrence Community Center in Anamosa. The Coalition Garage Sale will run on a similar premise, with generous donations of good used items coming from the community and then selling those items with all proceeds benefitting the work of the Coalition to reduce youth substance use in Jones County.

     The Coalition is having a donation drop-off on Sunday, June 10, from 1-2 p.m. at the site at 301 Old Dubuque Rd. in Anamosa. This could save some area families from needing to drive to Cedar Rapids to donate their items this summer. In July, donation drop-off and sales will be starting every Friday and Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon. A few examples of items in good condition to consider donating: housewares, outdoor furnishings, seasonal items, small appliances, sports/outdoor equipment, toys, games, and much more. The Coalition cannot accept baby furniture and accessories (such as car seats, strollers), hazardous/automotive waste (including tires), household garden chemical products, large office equipment, mattresses or box springs, plumbing items, large appliances, personal care items, plastic and paper recyclables, TVs, weapons, or wheelchairs.

     August will be sales only on Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, through Aug. 25. Hopefully the sale will help families find good used affordable items for their family before school starts.

     The Coalition is looking for more volunteers, adults and youth, who are willing to work a shift any of the mornings during the two months of operation. Please call 319-462-4327 ext. 202 for questions or to volunteer.