Treasure Hunting for a Good Cause

The excitement was palpable. There's nothing that gets the blood flowing quite like the anticipation of a "find." From the couple looking to find the perfect accessory for their nursery (they got it - a lion rocking horse) to the kids combing through the toy airplanes to find just the right one, the crowds were out in full force on Saturday for Operation Hope's 21st annual tag sale.

Held at First Church Congregational on Beach Road (across from Old Town Hall), Operation Hope's tag sale features goods donated by area residents, and all proceeds go directly to Operation Hope, a local non-profit that has a multi-pronged approach to helping those in need. There's a food pantry, largely stocked by volunteers' donations; a community kitchen providing lunch and dinner; shelters for men, women and children; and affordable housing options for formerly homeless adults and their children.

While the tag sale profits go to a good cause, it was the shopping that had people up and at it early Saturday morning. The two volunteers staffing the entrance (a $1 donation is required to enter the sale) said it was impossible to count how many had attended by noon, but one did say that, in a 30-minute period, he thought he stamped the hands of at least 60 or 70 people.

What are they cramming this charming church for? It's the deals, silly. And this sale has plenty to offer everyone.

Most of the sale takes place inside the 148 Beach Road church, but the outside staging area is home to a raffle basket table, a furniture display tent and a food tent provided by the Fairfield Rotary Club. Inside is where all of the action is, though, so come armed with a good eye and a tote bag or two to carry around your finds.

Books of all genres are a great deal, with hardcovers going for $1 and paperbacks priced at 50 cents. There's a large stack of board games (all $1) that line the back wall, while a variety of baby and preschool toys drew a lot of attention. High chairs, baby car seats and rockers were all well priced at $20 and $10, given that these are among the most expensive pieces you'll need when welcoming a new baby. Electronics, some of which looked straight out of the Smithsonian, were available for sale, but if you need an extra coffee maker, you can't go wrong when it's priced at $20.

The upstairs area was filled with homegoods, dishes, jewelry, and fine china items. Some items were clearly new, with tags and boxes, while others were previously used but in good condition. And yes, I'll admit it, I succumbed to the temptation and found myself with two items; one I plan to stash aside for Christmas. It's all for a good cause, right?

Some things seemed a bit strange - a bust of Mickey Mouse? - but, as the saying goes, "One man's trash is another man's treasure."

Operation Hope's tag sale reopens Sunday, with hours from noon to 4 p.m. and all prices slashed in half. Parking is available in First Church Congregational's parking lot off Beach Road.