Veterans lend assistance with yard sale
SANDPOINT — That unused recliner collecting dust in your garage could be put to better use at an upcoming yard sale assisting veterans in need.
Scheduled for Aug. 3 between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 2896 Colburn Culver Road, the Veterans Helping Veterans in Need yard sale will generate some much-needed cash for some of Bonner County’s 5,000 veterans. Organizers are collecting items and donations to use for the upcoming sale. All money generated will be used to assist individual veterans or veterans organizations, according to event organizers.
The yard sale is being organized by a group of 10 veterans, who decided to take on the task after the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 890 had to cancel a similar sale. In previous years, the organization held a yard sale at the VFW Hall in Sandpoint. However, the group didn’t have enough commitments from members this year to host the event.
“It was something people had come to expect and donate to over the years, so we wanted to make sure it was still available for them,” said Michael Harmelin, one of the event organizers.
Fortunately, the team had a little help getting started in organizing the event. Steve’s Auto Import provided a variety of high-quality items to get a start on inventory, while Sandpoint Storage helped the crew set up a safe location to keep donations. Now organizers are hoping community members will lend a hand in rounding out the yard sale.
Yard sale planners are seeking gently-used items to add to the sale and will be picking up or accepting items throughout the majority of next week. In particular, Harmelin identifies furniture, tables, chairs, kitchen utensils, pots, pans, bikes and any other items in good condition that would be appropriate for resale.
“We’re especially looking for things that would be useful for people just trying to get started,” he said.
On the other hand, the veterans aren’t looking for items like computers or TVs, as they carry a hefty disposal fee at landfills. Similarly, they discourage clothing donations unless the items are high quality and likely to sell. Individuals with donations can either arrange to drop off their items or have them picked up: the team will be running pick-ups from Sunday to Thursday and can be contacted at 265-4211, 265-9164 or 263-8724.
All cash generated from the sale will go to help veterans in need. According to Harmelin, the group intends to ask regional veteran organizations about any individuals that require help. After being forwarded some candidates for assistance, event planners will review them on a case-by-case basis. Harmelin said convincing veterans to accept financial assistance is oftentimes the most difficult task of all.
“A lot of times we’re trying to help people that need it but don’t necessarily want it,” he said.
Any money left over will likely be divided among local veterans groups, which provide essential services for veterans and their families — especially during the winter months.
“We just hope to help as many veterans in need as we can,” Harmelin said.