This weekend celebrates 10 years of Cape Kids Treasures Consignment Sale.
What started out as a few friends getting together to sell clothes that no longer fit their children has grown into a massive twice yearly event for parents on the Cape.
Dawn Atsalis says she was surprised that it’s gotten so large, but understands there’s a real need for extra cash when you have young children.
She told CapeCod.com that it’s amazing to hear feedback after the event when sellers receive checks from the sale. Some are using the money to pay medical bills, repair the car, or stash away some savings. She says it’s hard for busy parents, especially stay at home moms, to find ways to make extra cash. This allows them to clear out the closets and make money from items that are just collecting dust.
In 2010, Atsalis held her first consignment sale at St George Greek Church in Barnstable with 2000 items. However, Cape Kids Treasures quickly outgrew that location. This weekend over 200 families will be selling 35,000 items.
The consignment sale doesn’t just benefit families looking to sell clothes children have outgrown but also those who can’t afford to buy. When clothes are leftover at the end of the sale, families are given the option to pick up or donate the items. Dawn works closely with A Baby Center in Hyannis, Safe Harbor Shelter in Hyannis, Angel House in Hyannis and Cradles to Crayons.
Dawn says this isn’t her full time job and it’s probably the most work she’s done for the least amount of money, but it’s become her passion. She loves seeing people come in excited to buy and hearing the stories about how it’s helped families on Cape Cod.
If you’re interested in going, it’s going on this weekend: Saturday March 25 8am – 6pm and Sunday March 26 10am – 2pm at 770 Main Street Osterville behind Wimpy’s.
About Rebecca Romo
