The Annual Thrift Sale, held each fall, is a primary source of funding for the Junior League. All of the proceeds from the sale are returned to the community through Junior League community improvement projects. While the Thrift Sale is definitely a fall event, preparations for its success began in June. We have an awesome committee who are dedicated not only to the Junior League but to the community as well. Katie Britt, 2010 Thrift Sale Chair, states that "while the community is wandering the huge sale finding great bargains, they'll not only stretch their legs and their imagination, they'll also stretch their budget. For 63 years, the Junior League of Savannah Thrift Sale has combined providing gently used thrift at gentle prices with community service."
History...
The Thrift Sale has grown immensely since its rather humble beginnings in 1947 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. At that time, the sale was considered quite a success, netting $1,629.47 during the three-day long event. As it outgrew its locations, the Sale moved to the old Pape School on the corner of Drayton and Bolton streets in 1957 and then the Coastal Empire Fairgrounds in 1966. After spending 27 years at the Fairgrounds and raising more than $60,000 per year toward its end, the Thrift Sale was held in the old Builderama building on Victory Drive in 1993 for two years before finding its present home at the Civic Center. Profits grew as the Sale did, and revenue in excess of $100,000 has been raised for the last two years.
Purpose...
All of the net proceeds go directly into the community through a combination of League-sponsored volunteer projects and community grants. The Junior League's current focus area is Women and Children's Advocacy. The Junior League of Savannah believes that women and children deserve to be empowered through quality opportunities in order to thrive and to be contributing members of our community. These opportunities should develop the whole person socially, emotionally, physically as well as academically. We are currently partnering with a number of local organizations such as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Interfaith Hospitality Network and the Oatland Island Wildlife Center.
How...
Thrift Sale's success depends on over 400 League members working morning, noon and night for an entire week at the Civic Center to set up for the event. Additionally, each member is required to donate a minimum of $300 in thrift, collected from neighbors, friends, relatives and themselves. Some have donated in excess of $2,000 worth of treasures. The benefits of the Sale are not just monetary. This is a great way for students and others to furnish their apartments or dorms on a limited budget. There are always a lot of cool, vintage items as well as sofas, tables and chairs, and desks.
2010 Thrift Sale (Sale Days) Ticket Information
- October 1st and 2nd.
- Advance Tickets on Sale in late summer at the Civic Center Box Office (under Leisure Services)
- For tickets to be purchased and mailed in late summer call: 912-651-6556, or purchase online: http://www.etix.com/
- The Sale begins on Friday, October 1st from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.
- The Thrift Sale continues on Saturday, October 2nd from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.
- Admission: $5 on Friday and $3 on Saturday
- On Saturday every item is reduced by 50%.
- No strollers or carts allowed. Cash Only.
Questions? Please call the Junior League office 912.790.1002.
