World's Biggest Garage Sale Raises 240,000 Meals For Santa Cruz Co. Food Bank

News from the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County:

The first donation came in February. It was a wool coat made in Ireland, which quickly sold on Ebay. Then a set of vintage Star Wars action figures sold for $1,818. At the live sale on Saturday, April 25, thousands of people unearthed treasures, large and small. Altogether, WBGS raised $60,000.

Since every $1 donated to Second Harvest provides four healthy meals, that’s 240,000 meals for people in need. The food will be distributed through Second Harvest’s network of 200 agencies and programs across Santa Cruz County.

“We had so many dedicated volunteers, including several who worked every single day—from the day we started receiving donations until the sale was cleaned up,” says Laurie Schlaepfer of Twin Lakes Church. “Our sorters and pricers were very motivated by the $1 = 4 meals formula. Sometimes they would sigh at a box filled with things they had to mark at just 25¢ each, but then they would realize each item represented a meal for someone who is hungry.”

The garage sale took about 200 people and nearly 3,000 hours to set up .At the check presentation, Second Harvest Chief Executive Officer, Willy Elliott-McCrea, thanked everyone for their hard work. “We are truly honored to have such an amazing partner in Twin Lakes Church.”

“Lots and lots of people rounded up their totals when they reached the cashiers,” adds Laurie. “They were so happy that their purchase was going toward Second Harvest.”

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County

Founded in 1972, Second Harvest Food Bank was the first food bank in California and the second in the nation. Our mission is to end hunger and malnutrition by educating and involving the community. For more information: www.thefoodbank.org

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