It’s not every weekend that youngsters have an opportunity to sell unwanted items, learn how to make deals and close the sale, and put the profits in their own pockets.
The recent fifth annual Kids Garage Sale, sponsored by the Dyer Parks and Recreation Department, offered the opportunity for all of the above — and then some. The event took place at the north end of Walt’s Grocery Store parking lot.
“I sold almost everything I brought here, about two-thirds,” Daniel Nebel, 11, of Dyer said, as he checked his change box toward the end of the event. “I had just about everything — games, toys and other things.”
Along with Nebel, 27 additional area youngsters spent three hours that Saturday morning selling their stuff they’d outgrown. The time frame was more than adequate, according to the vendors and the visitors, because the temperature was rising steadily toward to the 90 degree mark.
“I was shopping in the (grocery) store and had to see what was going on out here,” said Kathleen Martin of Dyer. “How wonderful that the parents are letting the children get rid of things they don’t want in this manner. They do learn when they’re given the opportunity, I believe.”
Dyer resident Sydney Palmer, 8, set up his display of shoes, clothes, books and other items at the far end of the selling area.
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“I was here last year, too,” he said as he straightened his book inventory in neat rows on a long table. “It’s a lot of fun. I get to talk to people and make money. I’m doing very well today.”
His mom, Yvette Palmer, said the kids are gaining quite a bit of experience, in addition to taking home some cash.
“This is a great way for them to give someone else a chance to have these (still usable) things they don’t want anymore,” she said. “And the ones who buy are learning how to spend their money wisely.”
Dyer Parks and Recreation Supervisor Andrea Daliege agreed.
“This experience also gives them confidence, something they can build on,” she said.
Potential customer Lawrence Harris, 12, of Hammond was browsing the various items when he heard two of the shopkeepers discussing their day’s sales. He was impressed.
“I have a lot of things to sell, I wonder if Hammond could have one of these for us kids,” the youngster said while looking over a locked storage box offered on Daniel’s table. “I know I could do this — price the things and talk to people. That’s easy for me, I know I could do good.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.