FOCUS - JUNE 2017 65 Thousands of brand names, brand new or gently used items for babies and children are available for great prices at Scugog’s semi-annual Kids Clothing and Toy Sale. This gala shopping event has been going on for 29 years, and the proceeds go to sup- port worthy local charities. Committee rep Lonya Reid, of Blackstock, has consigned and shopped since her daughters were born. She explains that there are amaz- ing finds to clothe little ones from newborn to children’s size 16. There’s also a wide variety of other items for babies and kids, ranging from bicycles to high chairs, shoes to books and DVD’s to sports equipment. Only Scugog Community Centre is a large enough local venue to house all the treasures for sale. It’s a beehive of ac- tivity from 9 am till noon. People come from miles around to take advantage of this shopping op- portunity: from Brooklin, Sunderland and Uxbridge, to name a few neigh- bouring towns. Grandparents often pick up a spare playpen or stroller for when their grandkiddies visit. Everything is taken in on consign- ment. If the consigner volunteers to help at the sale, they receive 70% of the price tag. If they do not volunteer, their cut is 50%. The consigners price and tag their own items. There’s lots of paperwork and organizing to do, so many hands make light work and more volunteers are always welcome, including high school students who need volunteer hours to graduate. COMMUNITY BETTERMENT “The best part is that all of the profits go towards community better- ment”, says Lonya. For 28 years, Operation Scugog was the beneficiary. “It’s wonderful!” commented Ann Koke of Operation Scugog. “All of the money goes right back to the community.” Along with other Operation Scugog volunteers, Ann Koke plans to help out at the upcoming sales even though the new recipient of the funds for 2017 is Big Brothers Big Sisters North Durham (BBBSND.) “It’s all to help out our commu- nity,” Ann noted. “It’s fun to be part of the sale. You meet people from all over – as far away as Lindsay and Peterborough,” Ann said, “and see the smiles on their faces.” “It’s an excellent opportunity to work in the community,” echoed Lonya, who pointed out that volun- teers are what make it all happen, and she appreciates that Operation Scugog is still supporting their efforts. “It’s been very successful,” Lonya added. The volunteer committee of seven moms, who organize the Kids Clothing and Toy Sale, partner with a registered charity, which in turn provides some in-kind labour at the big event. Lonya says that it was recognized that BBBSND needed a helping hand, so this organization will reap the benefits of the 2017 April and October sales. Be sure to mark your calendar now for the October 14 sale! “We are thrilled to be the charity of choice,” enthused BBBSND Executive Director Margaret Ayres. “In the great community we live in, the support is amazing.” The extra funds will help subsi- dize materials for special programs like Sick Science, Game On and Go Girls, and healthy snacks for the kids. SPRING CLEANING Lonya pointed out that her family looks forward to ‘spring cleaning’ in preparation for the spring and fall sales, then shopping for new items. She’s been involved for about nine years and before that, as a consigner. Her little girls, aged 10 and 12, are old enough to help out at the sale now and they love the opportunity to choose their own purchases. Leftover items are returned to the consigner, but if they do not want them back, then everything is do- nated to the Diabetes Association. Yet another way to help out others. Check out the website: kidstoysandclothingsale.com and their Facebook page. Happy shopping! By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog On Saturday April 9 the Kids Clothing and Toy Sale took place at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre. A few of the volunteer committee moms (in the pink shirts) are shown above with this years’ ‘new’ recipient, Big Brothers Big Sisters North Durham. From left to right standing; Margaret Ayres (BBBSND), Stephanie Herrera and Erin Bellinger. Seated on left; Melissa Threapleton and Margaret Doe (BBBSND). Kids Clothing And Toy Sale ‘For shoppers, it’s like being ‘kids in a candy store….’