Hunting for Treasures, Helping the Homeless

Hundreds of shoppers descended on a historic Perry Hall church on Saturday to hunt for bargains at a biannual community yard sale that raises money for the homeless.

"I'm looking for treasures," said Laura Pecunes, 45, who drove from Harford County to attend the yard sale. "Just look at all the people. It's a lot of fun."

About 70 registered sellers paid $10 for space at the Camp Chapel United Methodist Church, at the corner of East Joppa Road and Honeygo Boulevard. While the event officially began at 8 a.m., sellers arrived as early as 6:30 in the morning.

"We get here first and we go home last," said Diana Campitelli, 34, of Perry Hall.

Campitelli has participated in each church yard sale—from the same corner space—since the event was first held in 2005. Her mother, sister, sister-in-law and 6-year-old daughter joined her on Saturday.

"It keeps me from having too much clutter," she says. "It also helps teach kids about money. I see a lot of little girls around with no more than a dollar to spend, but they decide how to spend it."

Clothing, toys and housewares dominated most sale tables, though more unique items like antique milk bottles and historic editions of the Baltimore Sun were also available for purchase.

Gwyneth Lewis, 42, a Perry Hall resident and first-time merchant, arrived with several dozen spools of unopened yarn she inherited from a friend. She said she was satisfied with the number of customers who visited her space.

"If they have another one in the spring, I'll do it," Lewis said. "It's wonderful and so close to home."

For Lisa Dziuk, 42, church member and event organizer, the yard sale is about more than just selling extra things you have lying around the house.

"I'm a big fan of the three Rs," she said. "This sale is a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle. This is especially important in a tough economy when everyone's trying to cut back and watch their money."

The yard sale is also a charitable fundraiser. The money raised from each $10 participation fee, along with revenue generated from a food tent near the event's entrance, is donated to a fund that assists people transitioning from shelters to permanent homes.