Shop Localista: Prospect Church's 2010 Rummage Sale

Prospect Presbyterian Women is no gaggle of shrinking violets: they do mission with a mission, and their upcoming Rummage Fundraiser is no exception.

For the past few weeks they've been busily battling chaos and clutter to transform Prospect Church's large basement into a bargain hunter's paradise for their annual Rummage Sale.

The wildly popular event is in its 32nd year and, as usual, all proceeds will go to a broad range of charities, from battered women's shelters to children's services to family counseling centers and soup kitchens.

"It's always an exciting and encouraging event," says Connie Cosgrove, a longtime member of the group. "It's so rewarding that we can raise the funds we do to support the number of great charities we reach."

Cosgrove is an omnipresent Prospect personality, with a booming voice, a hearty laugh and a signature swatch of snow-white tresses. She's been a staunch supporter of the church and its missions since moving to Maplewood 42 years ago: "Three weeks after we lived here we walked through the door of 646 Prospect and we never left," she jokes.  

Cosgrove's particularly fond of the volunteer opportunities the church provides. "I get a huge sense of satisfaction from it," she explains. "I know it seems corny, but it truly is better to give than receive. It's a wonderful thing to make a positive difference in the lives of those in need."  (Cosgrove is also pretty persuasive when it comes to helping others embrace a charitable spirit—just ask any of the Prospect congregation volunteers you see working Rummage Sale this year!)

Joady Anderson, another church pillar and driving force behind Prospect Presbyterian Women, says the annual event also has a widespread effect on all involved: "It really has a wonderful way of bringing people together—from those who donate items, to those who donate their time, to the people who benefit from the event itself," she said. "It helps so many people with so many different needs."

Anderson, a lifetime Maplewood resident, has been in the trenches of Rummage since it began, from organizing the donated goods to helping run the sales departments. Quite incredibly, in the 32 years that the event has been in existence, she hasn't missed a single one of the sale days. She and Cosgrove make up a time-tested team in both their dedication and their differences. "Connie's allergies are too sensitive to handle the dust we deal with during sorting," Anderson laughs. "So she sticks to finances and I get to unpack!"

This year, the Rummage sale is trying a new approach of spreading the event over three Saturdays (August 21 and 28 and September 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) to give folks more and easier access. "We want to make it more convenient for people to stop in and shop, without making people feel the pressure to rush in after work during the week," explained Cosgrove. As for the substantial work she and the other ladies of Prospect Women have put into putting together the event, she sees it as just another part of giving back. "We're just walking in the footprints of some phenomenal women who went before us," she said. "These women were beyond dedicated to volunteering and mission, and they inspired and nurtured us along the way. Now it's our turn."

In addition to finding some inspiration at Prospect Church's 2010 Rummage Gala Sale, you'll find a vast assortment of stellar goods at rock bottom prices: household décor, furniture, fashions, sports gear, toys and items sure to please every member of the family. From the practical pieces to whimsical splurges, the sale offers something for all needs and any room of the house. Many items are new and originally tagged or packaged. Others are gently used. All are priced to make shopping a treat. Don't miss the high-end "Tiffany boutique" in the back for designer goods, fine collectibles and a variety of other treasures.

I'll see you there. I'll be working the last two Saturdays….as I mentioned, Connie is quite persuasive!

Prospect Church's 2010 Rummage Sale: 8/21, 8/28 and 9/11  9:30 – 1pm

646 Prospect Avenue (at Tuscan Street) 973-763-2090 for more information