St. Peter’s UCC Annual Rummage and Bake Sale

When is a Rummage Sale more than just a Rummage Sale?

When it is an outreach to the community, as well as a fundraiser for St. Peter’s United Church of Christ.

Twenty-three years ago, a group of dedicated women took an annual church event – the Holiday Bazaar and Kountry Kitchen – and transformed it into a noteworthy Rummage and Bake Sale that keeps regular customers coming back year after year.

“We see this as an outreach operation on so many levels,” says Annie Noorts, co-chair of the Rummage Committee. “We help people get rid of their stuff … and in turn, that ‘stuff’ goes to help others in the community as low-priced housewares and clothing.”

St. Peter’s Rummage Sale took its current form in 1993, collecting items from church members and extended family, and selling them in a big sale each fall as a fundraiser for the church. Held the fourth weekend in September every year, the Sale coincides with the beginning of the school year and the holiday season (Halloween and Christmas decorations are extremely popular items).

In 2006, the Sale expanded to two days – Friday and Saturday – and grew to include two rooms, a Bag Sale, and a boutique area with jewelry and high-end collectables. The profit from the sale also doubled that year, and money raised at the Sale in turn goes to support various mission and maintenance projects at St. Peter’s UCC.

Formerly held only in the gymnasium, the sale is now also located in the Memorial Room, and the combined space encompasses the entire ground floor of the church. And in 2015, St. Peter’s began offering some of the best, most valuable items for sale on eBay.

Another benefit of the Rummage Sale is that when it is over, items that are not sold go to other charities and organizations in the community. The Skokie Women’s Closet receives clothing, and all leftover coats are given to the Chicago Bears Coat Drive. Unsold rummage is sent to Savers, an organization that stocks their thrift stores in the greater Chicagoland area, and either recycles unsold items or sends them to developing countries.

“The best benefit is to our shoppers,” says Kathy Zipperer, former chair of the Rummage Committee and current volunteer. “There is so much great stuff, from books to toys to clothing. You never know what you will find.”

Another highlight is the Bake Sale on Saturday. Homemade treats and goodies from the church’s members bring a back a classic taste of goodness. Cakes and pies, cookies and muffins, all available to take home, or to eat while you shop.

“We look on the Sale as not only a fundraiser, but also as a chance to meet and talk to many members of our community,” says Jennifer Schneider, St. Peter’s church member. “We generally have between 400-500 people attend the two-day sale, and we love seeing our neighbors. We have people who come every year.”

On Saturday at 1 pm, a Bag Sale is held – buy a $5 or $10 bag, and fill it with as many things as you can. This is a wonderful deal that thrifty shoppers have taken advantage of for many years … it also helps the St. Peter’s crew clean up afterwards.

The sale includes everything you’d expect: clothing, toys, housewares, decorations, books, music, luggage, linens, jewelry, art, furniture, collectibles, sporting goods, tools, and games. Parking is available (street on Friday, Village Hall lot on Saturday), and is easily accessible by public transportation. St. Peter’s is located across from the Library and City Hall in downtown Skokie, and is a few blocks west of the Oakton stop on the CTA Yellow Line.

For more information about the Rummage Sale, call the church office at 847-673-8166. Sneak peeks of items for sale are available on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/stpeteruccskokie

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 8013 Laramie Ave, Skokie, IL 60077

Like us on Facebook for SNEAK PEAKS at items for sale!

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Bake Sale is on Saturday - homemade treats from the best bakers in Skokie!

$5 Bag Sale Saturday from 1-3pm - buy a bag and whatever fits in it is yours.

Parking and public transportation available.