Do Good, Have Fun, and Shop! Volunteer at the Spring Sale Saturday May 19th

     

     This weekend myself and countless others will be volunteering (and, of course, shopping!) at the 2018 Parent Talk Spring Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale, happening Saturday May 19th at the Christ Episcopal Church in Needham. The founding members of Parent Talk put on the first Sale in 1993, and since then it has mushroomed in both scale and popularity. Now it's held twice a year, with shoppers and volunteers returning again and again, some for most or all of the Sales over the past 24 years.
       If you've never been to the Sale before, it's what I can only describe as an extravaganza of deals on quality gently used kid's items. You can find everything from books to bikes, strollers to swimsuits. Proceeds support the Parent Talk organization, and all the items that remain after the Sale are donated to charities and non-profits. If you've been, but have yet to volunteer, know that a meager 2 hours of your time is all that is required to reap the reward of early shopping hours before the general sale is opened to the public. And if you've taken advantage of the early shopping, but have yet to join the Sale Committee, I'm here to tell you you're missing out.
       So here's how the Sale happens from a general shopper's perspective. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and everyone can have at all the fantastically priced stuff until 11:45 a.m. Then everyone cashes out, and those who'd like to take part in the Clearance Bag Sale are provided as many bags as they want, at a flat rate per bag. At 12:00 p.m. the doors reopen, and the shoppers have until 12:45 to cart out as much as they can fit in their bag(s); anything too big to fit is automatically reduced to half the tagged price. It's fast, it's fun, and everyone gets great stuff without spending a ton.

Sounds good, right? It is. But volunteering at the Sale is way, WAY better.

You get first pick of everything. 

 This is the most obvious perk, but I'd say not even close to the best. Still, allow me to share with you the mindblowingest of the many bargains that I personally found at the last Sale. Number one is a pink princess vanity table with mirror I snagged for a cool $20. I saw a similar one at Home Goods a few weeks later priced at $99. Number two is a full kid's drum set, complete with little stool, pedal and drumsticks I scored for a jaw-dropping $35. I looked it up online later; $180 new. (On a side note, I'm aware that buying something like that for a 3 year old might be considered evidence that I've lost my mind - the truth is, my kid's just got a really cool mom.) I also picked up a beautiful velvet dress with the price tag still on it, suede winter boots (in 2 sizes, you never know), puzzles, a box of wooden train tracks . . . . Let's just say Santa was VERY good to my daughter this year.

It's exciting. 

The Sale is basically a pop-up, and as such a ton of energy, planning, and hard work goes into organizing and setting up a pretty large-scale event for a remarkably brief period of time. The past 24 years of mistakes, solutions, and ideas has fine-tuned the strategy and organization of the sale, resulting in an event that for all it's many parts runs like a well-oiled machine. As someone who appreciates efficiency and preparation (in other words, as a mom) this is inspiring to witness. It goes by quickly, with never a dull moment. I feel weird saying this about volunteering at a fundraising sale, but it's a rush.

You get to hang out with your friends. 

And don't tell me none of your friends are going to be at the Sale. I moved back to this area from NYC three years ago, volunteered at my first Sale this past October, and not only did I make new friends doing so, I ran into neighbors and people I didn't even realize I knew at the Sale. This has to be the best perk of volunteering, whether you do the 2 hour gig or join Sale Committee for all the fun get-togethers too; you will have a great time socializing and meeting people in your community.

Your faith in humanity will be restored.  

Maybe that's a bit dramatic, and maybe your faith in humanity is fully intact, but if you wouldn't mind a little positive upswing to your perspective, this could do it. There's really nothing like working with other people toward a common goal to make you feel more connected to the world. Especially when you know that everybody is there because they want to be. It feels good to be a part of something positive, and to be supporting not only Parent Talk but the other great charities and non-profits that benefit from the Sale, including Cradles to Crayons, Circle of Hope, Room to Grow, Bayong Kulturang Pinoy Inc, Jeremiah Project and others.
       In addition to all the aforementioned benefits, I personally get a great sense of satisfaction from the Sale because I abhor waste, and almost equally despise clutter. So I love that I can easily clear my closets of outgrown items guilt-free, and that something I want or need at the moment is there for me to use, instead of becoming more garbage. I also love saving money (don't we all), and while I suppose I could buy a drum kit for my child at $180, I'm not about to. But now she has one, and she loves it. Almost as much as my neighbors do.
       The Sale is almost upon us, but it's not too late to sign up for a volunteer shift! So if you'd like to give some of your time to a good cause and have fun doing it, see how below. See you at the Sale!

Volunteer:  email ptsalevolunteers@parenttalk.info for more info or sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4ca4ae23a46-spring5

Check out this blog post with great tips on how to donate, consign, and utilize the Sale to declutter and clear out your outgrown children's items : How To Consign and Donate to PT's Sale

More info : Parent Talk Spring Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale
Saturday May 19, 2018
Christ Episcopal Church in Needham
1132 Highland Avenue (across the street from Needham Public Library)
General Sale: 8:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Clearance Bag Sale: 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

About the Author:

Laura Perras is a mom and Realtor who grew up in Needham, where she now works as part of the Perras Group at the William Raveis Needham office. In addition to mom-ing and selling houses, Laura enjoys djing, yoga, and arts and crafts. Please reach out if you would like to submit a post to the blog or have feedback or ideas regarding what you’d like to see here : Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

Call for submissions:

Would you like to write something to be featured on the Parent Talk Blog? Send me an email! Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

PT Spring Sale: Six Reasons to Volunteer, Donate, Consign and Shop!

If you are pregnant or new to parenthood, the Parent Talk Sale on Saturday, May 7, 2016, is a must-not-miss event.  You can expect to see some high-end baby gear, clothing, and toys at bargain basement prices (literally...the Sale is held in a church basement!).  And all of it within a welcoming community of fellow moms and dads, eager to swap stories from the parenthood trenches or share resources ranging from pediatricians to preschools to summer camps.  It is so special that I have friends who travel from Connecticut and Western Massachusetts twice a year to volunteer and shop.  No joke.  There is simply nothing else like it.

A long line of shoppers waits to enter one of PT's bi-annual Sales.

If you are welcoming another baby to the fold, you also owe it to yourself and your growing family to check out the Sale.  Donate or consign some of that outgrown blue clothing and search for something new in pink!  Volunteer as a Sale staffer, share your hard-earned expertise with a friend, and learn something new from someone with older kids.  Simplify your life and pick up an extra set of everything (cheap!) for grandma's house, and never ever schlep another toy or pack-and-play there again.  Doesn't that sound amazing?!

I can't wait.  See you Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Christ Episcopal Church in Needham.  The General Sale runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by the $10 Clearance Bag Sale from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The Sale is open to the general public.  Membership in Parent Talk is not required to donate, consign, volunteer or shop. 

 If you need a few more reasons to squeeze the Sale into your calendar, here are six:

1.  HIGH END BRAND NAME CONSIGNMENTS

The Sale has established a reputation for high quality.  You can often find brands like Hanna Andersson, Mini Boden, Crew Cuts and more.  Think Kate Spade diaper bags, Kelty backpacks, and Bugaboo strollers.  Even if you are just cleaning out a pile of Carter's jammies, you can feel good about making the donation.  Or, turn a tidy profit when you place your consignment cast-offs in the company of brand name merchandise.

Shoppers among the many racks of clothing.

2.  DO WELL AND DO GOOD!

Parent Talk is a 501 c3 non-profit organization, so your donations to the Sale are fully tax deductible.  Half of all that you earn on consignments also directly supports Parent Talk programs that benefit hundreds of Metro-West families.  Any unsold donations or consignments are scooped up by other regional charities that help needy or homeless families, such as Circle of Hope, Cradles to Crayons, and the Department of Children and Families.  Email donations@parenttalk.info for donation drop-off information and sellerskit@parenttalk.info for information on consigning.

3.  REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!

Donate your well-loved toys and clothes to the Parent Talk Sale, not the landfill.  Shopping for recycled treasures at the Sale is much more fun and eco-friendly than shopping at your local big box store or online.

Example of a "jackpot" item from a past Sale -- small Trek mountain bike.

4.  TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL

Parents can shop with their children to teach them elementary math while making purchases and how to best manage their money.  Kids enjoy a freedom of choice not possible at more expensive stores. 

5.  VOLUNTEERING HAS ITS PRIVILEGES

If you serve on the Parent Talk Sale Committee and/or sign up for a 2-hour volunteer shift, you can shop from Sale items a whole day early, and under less crowded conditions.  Friday is a private shopping day for volunteers and some of the most desirable items are sold then, before the Sale even opens to the general public. 

6.  IT'S IN THE BAG!

The very last hour of the Sale is exciting.  For just $10, shoppers can fill a bag with as much merchandise as they can carry.  Even if you shop all day at Friday's private sale for volunteers, you will want to come back to bag the best bargains on Saturday.

The Parent Talk Sale is the Olympics of sales.  But you can't get to the PT Sale from your computer or your iPhone.  You have to show up to share the good gossip (maybe even get a warm hug!) and grab the deals of the century.


About the Author
Catherine Memory is a freelance writer and publicist, and a former Parent Talk Board member.

Parent Talk Photo Album: College Throwback

Fun abounded for those who attended Saturday's College Throwback night, this year's spring fundraiser for Parent Talk.  With a program that included food and drinks, DJ, NCAA basketball, a wish tree (wish list of items for PT's Playspace and community partners), raffle, and silent auction, what was not to like?  The dress code at the Biltmore Bar & Grille in Newton was college casual.  PT members rummaged through the back of drawers and closets to proudly don the names of their almae matres for one more night.  See pictures below!

Hey, that's pretty funny!

Line-up of items for sale in the silent auction.

 Just chilling at the bar.

We're starting our own College Conference.

Give me a P. . . P! Give me a T. . . T! Go, Parent Talk!

The PT crowd.

A great team starts here:  PT's President Megan Bourque (left), VP Ellie Beasley (center), and Executive Director Susan Kagan (right).

PT's wish list and a popular college past-time come together to dress up the Donation Tree.

This is better than guys' night out!

Members of PT's 2015-2016 Board and Event Co-Chairs.

Couples hang out.

Taking advantage of a chance to catch up.

Taking a break from watching the Syracuse v. North Carolina game.

Playgroup friends are the best!

A memorable experience to share with a friend.

Over 50 local businesses donated to Parent Talk through College Throwback 2016!  Parent Talk would like to thank these businesses and all of the silent auction donors and bidders, along with all of the Red Cup Raffle donors and winners.  The response to our wish list was gratifying.  Many items were donated to the Parent Talk Playspace and to other local charities.  Parent Talk thanks Ginger and Julia from the Biltmore Bar & Grille which was the perfect location for College Throwback.  The chicken and waffles were a hit!  And for their unwavering support of Parent Talk, including attending College Throwback, we would like to thank Needham Bank's Eric Morse and Michelle DiSimone. 

Parent Talk members can likewise support local businesses in our community.  Plan to shop at Needham Cash Mob on April 30th!  Spend at least $10 with local retailers.   The event starts at 10:00 a.m.   Shop anytime throughout the day!

MLK Day and Nurturing Service in Your Kids

"Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve."
                                                  --Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Day, with its powerful message of friendship and peace, makes this January an ideal time for your family to learn about serving others.  But putting principles into action and teaching kids to focus on others can be challenging!

"2011 MLK Day of Service in Hartford, CT" by Dannel Malloy

FIVE WAYS TO INTRODUCE SERVICE TO YOUR KIDS

1.  Explain that, after holiday presents have been played with and new clothes have been worn, we can remove the older things that are no longer exciting.  When donating the old, we make space for the new.  It's a great way to make a fresh start in our closets and playrooms!

2.   Discuss how cold it is and how some people don't have warm clothing or winter coats.  Tread lightly here.  Kids can become anxious after hearing stories about other kids who don't have basic necessities.  You might say, "The only clothes in their closet are from a few years ago, so let's give them new things to keep them cozy!"

3.  Show your kids the statistic that around 30% of all annual giving happens in December, at least for one online giving platform (so it might be true in other cases of giving, too).  In January, there is an enormous drop in those online donations.  Your family can help fill the need in any one of the less charitable months of the year.

4.  Come up with a few New Year's resolutions.  Explain that both positive changes in life and accomplishing personal goals can come about while helping others.

"Resolving to Write More - a Worthy Thought" by Carol VanHook

5.  Talk about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of nonviolent action, generosity of spirit, and community service.  Ask your kids how Dr. King might have wanted his birthday celebrated.

FIVE WAYS TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY AS A FAMILY

1.  Volunteer at Cradles to Crayons.  We took our two older boys (ages 5 and 7) to help at its Giving Warehouse in Brighton.  We had a great time and my sons were determined to make sorting clothes into a competitive sport!  It was a gentle, hands-on way of introducing my kids to the concept that we, unlike others, have more that we need.

2.  Deliver meals to elderly residents.   By taking meals to homebound seniors and without having to leave the comfort of the family car, younger children can feel pride in knowing that they are doing something to serve their community.  Needham's Traveling Meals program is a good place to start.

3.   Visit a senior rehabilitation or long-term care facility.  My dad and I used to deliver mail to elderly residents at the Brookline Health Care Center, and I can still remember the expressions of delight (and candy snuck to me!) when I walked into a room.  Many centers welcome family participation, as the presence of kids can be uplifting.  Newton's Stone Rehabilitation and Senior Center is one place to call.

"Alameda County Community Food Bank" by Ecole Bilingue

4.  Collect food for a food pantry, or help at one.  Older kids might enjoy setting up or taking inventory of donations.  My high school students helped once a month at a church pantry.  It helped them to diminish the feeling of "otherness" of a food pantry shopper.  Younger kids can collect food from your pantry or the grocery store, or help bake a loaf of bread to donate.  Try exploring The Needham Community Council.

5.  Donate a used or newly bought item (maybe that gift you have no use for) to a local charity -- You can donate gently used stuffed animals at Savers in West Roxbury or collect toiletries or baby items to create packages for Circle of Hope.  Or throw a collection party at the next sleep-under/sleep-over, where every guest brings one or two items that your child can give to a charity of her choice.

Afghan children examine donated school supplies in "A bagful of goodies" by ResoluteSupportMedia (crediting U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz). 

FIVE RESOURCES TO KEEP THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE 

ALIVE AT HOME, ALL YEAR LONG

1.  A Dream of Freedom by Diane McWhorter (appropriate for ages 8 to 12 or to read with your kids) -- This is a wonderful book written by a close family friend.  McWhorter won the Pulitzer Prize for her epic book about the Civil Rights movement, Carry Me Home.  This children's book explores the various players of the movement in detail at an accessible level.

2.  Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport -- Younger kids will find this introduction to Dr. King's life both engaging and inspiring.

"Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King award winning book" by Deb Nystrom, depicting cover of Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport.

3.  A blank journal -- Start a gratitude journal with your kids in the form of a correspondence, writing down things that you are grateful for, and ask your kids to do the same.  You can offer simple prompts on index cards that your kids can pick out every so often.   "What clothes/food/family/
friends/activities are you thankful for today?"

4.  How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer -- My kids looove this book! The authors succeed at making a complicated concept -- brightening others' lives actually brightens your own! -- into a very literal, visual story.

5.  Kid President's The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. video -- There's something powerful about a kid explaining history to other kids.


About the Author
Joanna Noon is a Brookline native who loves living in Needham with her husband and five children.  She worked in education before becoming a stay-at-home mom.  Joanna is a longtime member of Parent Talk and is excited to serve on the Parent Talk Board as Membership Co-Chair.

Give the Gift of Parent Talk

It's that time of year, and finding just the right presents for your loved ones can be challenging!  Did you know that you can give the gift of a Parent Talk membership?

For a friend, family member, neighbor or co-worker with kids, membership in PT will mean so many things -- access to museum passes, PT events, lectures, playgroups, retail discounts, community support and more.  You will also be giving the gift of memories-in-the-making.

Kids and parents alike enjoyed Elmo Story Time at Parent Talk's Playspace earlier this year.

Just email businessadministrator@parenttalk.info with "PT Gift Subscription" in the subject line.  You will receive an email response with a form to fill out with various payment options. Send in your reply and relax a little, knowing that at least one item on your gift list has been taken care of!

Along with shopping for gifts, another thing that typically happens at this time of year are requests for charitable donations.  And every year, you dig deep and give to a few good causes as budget allows, while you leave a bunch of remaining requests "for next year."  Parent Talk may have fallen into the second category of "maybe next year" giving.  But donating to Parent Talk need not take an extra penny out of your pocket.  

AmazonSmile will give 0.5% of the purchase price of qualified items to the charity of your choice.  When you think of all that Parent Talk has done to enrich the lives of you and your family, why not make PT your charitable choice?

At Parent Talk's annual Barn Babies event, children have an opportunity to hold and touch baby animals, such as at the duckling Touch Tank.

Just go to smile.amazon.com.  Under the search box at the top of the page, there is an option to change the supported charity. Choose Parent Talk, then shop as usual!  Your shopping experience will stay the same, including the price.  Well, one thing may change -- the added satisfaction that comes from making a contribution that supports PT!

About the author
Darlene W. Cancell is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom, and most recently, blog coordinator for Parent Talk.

More Reasons to Buy "Used," Not "New" - Parent Talk's Used Clothing, Toy & Equipment Sale this Fall

Now is the time of year that I start counting down days to the event that first introduced me to Parent Talk -- the biannual Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale.  A few years ago, I walked into Parent Talk's fall sale at Christ Episcopal Church for the first time, not knowing what to expect.  After the bundle of new expenses brought on with becoming a first-time mommy, I had eyes and ears ever open for great baby items at great prices.  I immediately was floored by the massive selection of useful items in good condition that were housed in multiple rooms and floors of the church, plus the outdoors.  From large, outdoor play structures to small, handheld toys, from children's clothes to maternity items, from books to games, this Sale had it all.

Toys and Strollers lined up for sale outside Christ Episcopal Church.

In contrast to the yard sales I had been to, everything was clearly priced and laid out in a logical way. This made shopping a breeze.  I walked out with 2 large plastic bags full of items.  I also left greatly impressed with the organization sponsoring the Sale.  Parent Talk somehow knew exactly what I needed in producing this well-oiled, large and successful volunteer-run event. 

People like me already know that Parent Talk's upcoming October Sale is worth supporting with donated goods and attending as a shopper and volunteer.  But some folks just like buying new.  They squirm at the idea of owning anything second hand, or prefer to toss their own, worn items into the trash rather than pass them along to someone else.  To these folks, I offer a few reasons to consider supporting the marketplace of used goods.

Book Room at the Parent Talk Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale.

Buying Used Allows Room for Creativity and Flexibility

Used items routinely cost 50% or less of an item's price when new, so a consumer can afford to experiment with purchases.  Not sure how an expensive baby carrier will feel on your back?  Buy them used, and you can afford to try out multiple options.  If you routinely purchase pink, brown or blue clothing for your child, why not try bright green or bright orange for a change and see how it works?  Create a wardrobe for your child's dolls and stuffed animals with used infant or preemie clothes.  Used items can be disassembled for fun and crafts.  Has your child ever wanted to operate on the insides of a wind-up clock or toy car?  Let him or her experiment with opening a cheap, used one.

"Three wheels on my wagon!" by Les Chapfield

Buying Used is Good for the Environment

New paper products require tree clearing.  New plastic items require oil extraction.  New metal items mean extracting metal from the earth in ground-razing activities.  In contrast, used items do not require any new extraction, refining, or processing which would result in consuming additional natural resources, some of which are limited.  No new energy is needed to "make" a used item because the electricity associated with farming, manufacturing and shipping operations has already been spent in the initial production of the item.   There is no new pollution (such as chemicals or carbon emissions) associated with "making" a used item.  For example, a new cotton tee-shirt represents the harvesting and processing of cotton, which likely includes farming operations that use pesticides.   According to one used clothing recycling company, the production of one cotton shirt requires one-third of a pound of pesticides.  However, no new resources or pesticides are expended in purchasing a used tee-shirt.  Also, there is savings in packaging such as plastic wrap, Styrofoam and cardboard boxes, which though accompanying an item when it is new, need not be produced for a used item.

"Open-pit Copper Mine Mission Complex" by docentjoyce

Buying or Donating Used Items Translates to Supporting to the Local Community

In the case of Parent Talk's Sale, community support happens in several ways.  First of all, as a non-profit organization, Parent Talk's revenues go not to shareholders, but to its mission of "helping families with young children connect, learn, play, and grow together."  Proceeds from donated items will directly fund Parent Talk activities and member benefits.  Proceeds from the used clothing, toys and equipment that are sold on consignment go to local consignors and Parent Talk.  In contrast, proceeds from new, store-bought items can be expected to go to a corporate retailer or manufacturer.  Often, that entity is not local.  Buying items "new" in such cases fails to provide direct support to our local community.

Additionally, items that remain after the Parent Talk Sale go to local charities, so any donations to the Sale that remain unsold should eventually find their way into someone's grateful hands.  Many items will have far reaching impact.  Charities from the Greater Boston area are invited to participate at the end of the Sale by sweeping through and choosing items that will benefit the needs of the communities they serve.  Local charity Circle of Hope states, "The clothing we collect from Parent Talk sales is vital to our mission.  Without the Parent Talk items, we would struggle to provide enough clothing for all of the children we serve."

Quality at Less Expense

Top brand names for toys or equipment can be purchased for much less when used, compared to their prices when new.  Purchasing used designer or boutique clothes can mean obtaining superior quality clothing at more affordable prices.  At the Parent Talk Sale, items tend to be in good to great condition, and sometimes even have original tags still attached.

Racks of children's clothing at an October Sale.

Need I say more?  Mark your calendars!  This year, Parent Talk's fall Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale will again be held at Christ Episcopal Church (across from the Needham Public Library) on October 17, 2015.  Volunteers and donations are welcome and still needed.  The general sale runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by the clearance bag sale from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Sale items are generally targeted for ages 0-8.

About the Author

Darlene W. Cancell is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom, and most recently blog coordinator for Parent Talk.

Do you have thoughts related to this post? Please share them in the Comments section below.  

Sources:

1. Waseem Trading Company, Top 10 Reasons to Buy Used Clothing & Used Shoes, available at http://www.wtc-textile.com/top-10-reasons-to-buy-used-clothing-used-shoes/.

2. MAC Recycling, Why Recycle Clothes?, available at: http://mac-recycling.com/why.html.

Giving Tuesday

To all our supporters, members and past members, business partners and folks who we support throughout the year, Parent Talk wishes a very happy holiday season.

Last Thursday was Thanksgiving, a day to reflect on the bounty of our lives with family and friends.  It also marks the beginning of the holiday season, a time to prepare for our winter celebrations, decorate, bake cookies and buy gifts with Black Friday and Cyber Monday following closely.Tuesday has been coined Giving Tuesday, a day to reflect on community, giving to those organizations that make the world, and where we live, a better place. 

Photo by Ellie Beasley

This last year, Parent Talk welcomed 170 new families to our community, building friendships that will last a life time.  We hosted numerous events and information fairs for our members and the larger community, supported area direct service organizations and generally had a fun time doing it.

For those of you who have been a part of the Parent Talk community, you may have already received our Annual Appeal in your mailbox.  This is a reminder that we can’t accomplish what we do without the tireless efforts of scores of volunteers, the financial and other gifts that we receive from area businesses and your contributions.

Won’t you support Parent Talk this giving season?  You can easily do so here. Your gift will help us continue to welcome new families in our community, support playgroups and social and support groups for families, present informative lectures, and build events that entertain and educate our youngest neighbors and their parents.  And for a gift of $50 or more, we will thank you with a discount card to Legacy Place.  Here is a list of sample discounts that will be available this coming year.

Thanks for all you do for Parent Talk and our community!  Enjoy your holidays!

Mary Celeste Brown

Mary Celeste Brown has raised three children in the Boston area, is the executive director of Parent Talk and can be reached at executivedirector@parenttalk.info.

The Joy at the End of the Sale

Written by Kathy Fritz

The Parent Talk Used Clothing, Toy, and Equipment Sale was once again a huge success. We raised money for Parent Talk, shoppers were thrilled with the items they bought at bargain prices, and many new people volunteered. What many Parent Talk members don’t know, however, is that the sale serves another important function. When the bag sale ends at 1:00 p.m., charities enter the church and collect what is left. This is my favorite part of sale weekend, and I’d like to share what one charity (Arm2Arm) emailed to us about this opportunity.

We were overwhelmed by the generosity of Parent Talk. We got plenty of gently worn children's clothing and shoes for the kids in the DR [Dominican Republic]. The volunteers from the other charities were also fun to work with and generous. They put shorts aside for us and we tossed them warm clothes. The Parent Talk volunteers just swooped through filling our bags with t-shirts, dresses, and shoes. We are especially excited about all the sneakers and sandals we got. Honestly, [on our last visit to the DR] all of us volunteers left the DR with just one pair of shoes to wear home and left our others there, because kids and adults were walking around with bare feet. From a health and safety standpoint, the shoes were important. We bring down hundreds of flip-flops, but the boys especially get excited about the sneakers. I grabbed quite a few pairs of boys’ jeans, which I am so grateful for. I know I told you about the young boy wearing the little girl jeans inside out so the pink stitching would not show. That image just sticks with me. I think of all my son had at that age and all our kids have. This is a wonderful partnership because it allows the generous parents in your group to reach out to kids and other parents in need. It is such a good service. Thank you.

I was so touched by Arm2Arm’s email, but more so, I’d like to say to them and the other charities that were there, “Thank you. You do such good service.”