A large crowd had already gathered before the 9 a.m. opening of the Saint John of the Cross annual rummage sale in Western Springs Saturday. The rummage sale, in its 45th year, is run by the SJC Women’s Club and drew shoppers from all over the western suburbs and even from out of state.
“I came here today from Markesan, Wis., for a girl’s weekend and to shop,” said Susan Kelm, who heard about the rummage sale from a friend six years ago. Kelm said there are some great bargains at the sale, and she likes to make it a weekend event.
The rummage sale, which takes place in the Saint John of the Cross school, has different themed sales in each classroom and in the upstairs gymnasium, which is dedicated to adult clothing.
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Mary Beth White has chaired the event for the past 16 years, and says, “At this point it is like a well oiled machine.”
“We have over 200 volunteers, everyone from sixth-graders to 94-year-olds. We have a one-week dropoff period and then we have about 2½ days to get the rooms set up,” White said.
The rooms are each managed by volunteers and signs outside the classroom designate the individual “stores,” such as baby clothes, toys, crafts, rugs and art.
“This is my first year helping in the sports room,” said Bob Reitmeier, who added that weights were a popular selling item.
Other popular selling rooms held baby clothes and toys for babies and older children.
“I have volunteered for 10 years and word of mouth keeps the rummage sale growing,” said Margaret Musur. “The baby strollers seem to be the most popular item today.”
Alice Alexander of Western Springs said she enjoys bringing her kids to look for toys and games that they have already been asking for and she enjoyed the variety of children’s items.
Outside of the school entrance, Boy Scouts Troop 117 were selling hot dogs, doughnuts, water and other treats to shoppers.
“We are the church charter group for Scouts and have been doing this for three years. We volunteer to service the parish,” said Scoutmaster John Spitkovsky.
“ Anything that is not sold is offered to charities; we have them come in and pick out what they want,” said Mary Beth White, who said they reach out to a number of charities who might be in need of donations.
The rummage sale will be followed by the annual Saint John of the Cross Fest, which will run Thursday through Sunday.
More information on the festival can be found at www.sjcfest.com.
