$5 Bag Prospect Rummage Bonanza THIS Saturday

In theory, bag sales are a stellar way to stretch your budgeted dollars unless, of course, the items available are better suited for actual garbage bags. I'm the sort of gal who's always game for unearthing buried treasure, though, so when the Prospect Presbyterian Women agreed to let me in to peruse what REALLY awaits shoppers for this Saturday's $5 Bag Sale, I happily accepted the invitation, camera in hand.

As you'll see from the attached pics—there are plenty of stellar selections from which even discerning early birds can eagerly stuff their $5 bags. Sure, there's some definite filler to be found, but I also eyed name-brand clothing, accessories and shoes for all family members—plus housewares, bric-a-brac, home décor, linens, toys, games, books and sport equipment in great shape.

Here's the inside scoop on some of the best booty that'll be basically given away this Saturday, the 11th, at Prospect Church's $5 Bag Sale:

• Kids' outerwear from Gap, Land's End and LLBean (in grown sizes, too)
• Women's Shoes—with noteworthy labels like Liz Claiborne and Bandolino
• Name-brand jeans in all sizes and styles
• Designer duds sprinkled in with everyday pieces—including a sharp-looking Sigrid Olsen sweater set and J Crew button-downs for the guys
• Snappy suitcases and bags, including a leather Coach briefcase
• Mint-condition ice and hockey skates

In addition to rock-bottom buys on home furnishing and goods, you'll also find a $12 Bag high-end clothing section (where I spied an elegant Evan Picone full-length winter coat and other trend-defying treasures) and a $20 Treasure Corner that features antique pieces, mirrors and light fixtures for $20 or LESS. In short: great stuff to stuff into bags at ANY price point.

And it's all for great causes: the proceeds benefit local and global charities.

I've got to tell you—some of the items were notable enough to tempt the greedy little shopper in me. I wanted to snag a little bag of my own and leave a few $20 notes behind. I'm proud to say I refrained: one, because it would have been unethical (being for a charity fundraiser and all) and, two, because I'm afraid of incurring the wrath of one of the main organizers, long-time Maplewoodian Connie Cosgrove. Okay, mostly because I'm afraid of Connie Cosgrove.

Anyway. I hope to see you there. I'll be helping people find the best stuff to stuff their bags with. The Prospect Presbyterian Women have me on a pretty short leash!

What: $5 Bag Sale Bonanza

Where: Prospect Presbyterian Church, 646 Prospect Church, Maplewood (corner of Prospect Street and Tuscan Road) For more information call (973) 763-2090 / www.prospectchurch.org

When: THIS SATURDAY, September 11 from 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.