Thrifted crochet butterfly mobile: 2.99; vintage canning jars: .50c each

A Creative Life by Jen Merritt

I’ll be the first to admit it – I love a sale! Even more than that, I love a sale when it’s 50% off really cool stuff… the kind of stuff that other people have previously loved. Beaded necklaces, mismatched pink china, multi-coloured Pyrex dishes (with lids!) – the list goes on. Over the years I have spent many an afternoon in the aisles at our local Village of Value, but has anyone else noticed that their prices aren’t so much ‘value-ful’ anymore? I mean, these are used items, after all. And last month, I learned a bit more about the way that this store donates to charity. Let’s just say that I am less inclined to support a ‘Charity Shop’ that is owned by the same companies that operate casinos in Las Vegas, when there are other choices in town.

As a self-proclaimed good citizen, I have opted to support a different ‘Charity Shop’, which also carries cool vintage housewares. Here’s what I like: I buy inexpensive picture frames that I use when selling my art (and other items like these wall sconces that I spray-painted red), the proceeds of this sale are then turned into funding for employment services to help local individuals become self-sufficient. Here’s what Goodwill has to say:

Through our Retail Division, Goodwill Industries, Essex-Kent-Lambton collects millions of pounds of donated clothing, toys, books, household goods, and wooden furniture at our Attended Donation Drive-Thru Centres at our Goodwill retail stores, or at our Goodwill Donation Centres throughout Kent and Lambton counties. In turn, the revenue derived from the sale of these donations help our Goodwill Workforce Development to develop services that assist individuals to become self-sufficient through work.These donated items are sorted and priced at one of our three Goodwill retail stores located in Kent and Lambton counties.

Red spray-painted wall sconce - 2.99 for two at Goodwill

Sounds good, right? Here’s something to make it even more sweet; this Saturday – February 27 2010 – all Goodwill Retail locations in Essex-Kent-Lambton are having a  50% off sale. This local gal enjoyed a recent sale, and you may note from her post that it is a popular event – including line ups! Strategy? Arrive early, and maybe scope out the goods the night before. You have two – that’s right, two hours – to scoop up your favourite items. I’m intrigued to see what you find, and maybe if I have the urge to wake up early enough, I will see you there!

Want more information? Check out the Goodwill website.

Come out and take advantage of our 50% off sale on Saturday, February 27th from 9 – 11 am.

At all Goodwill Retail locations:
439 South Palmerston Street, Sarnia
1249 London Road, Sarnia
255 Grand Avenue West, Chatham