It might be the slumping economy taking its toll on donations to the annual Treasures of the Island rummage sale at St.
Edward Catholic Church. But, whatever the reason, donations are way down, particularly in the area of furniture and big-ticket items, organizer Tierney O’Hara said. “At the moment, we’re down 30 percent in donations from where we were last year,” O’Hara said. “I don’t know if people are going to consignment shops or are holding on to things. I’m not really sure of the reason, but we definitely have less stuff.” “There’s just too many things going on during Lent,” O’Hara said. “Everyone felt that if we waited until after Easter, everybody will be gone.” The sale usually nets $25,000 to $30,000 each year, O’Hara said. But 2007 broke all records, netting more than $40,000. “Maybe we haven’t given people enough time and, because it is early, maybe we’re asking people to clean out their houses during a busy time of year,” O’Hara said. The guild accepts household goods, toys, clothing, jewelry, furniture and just about anything that’s sold at a resale store or consignment shop.
The sale runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 6 and 8 a.m. to noon March 7. Proceeds go to charity. Admission is $2 per person.