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Easter Bake Sale supports community members in need, raises $170 for The Clothes Line

April 21, 2022   ·   0 Comments

On Wednesday, April 13, CONTACT Community Services’ The Clothes Line hosted its annual Easter Bake Sale at 55 Victoria Street West in Alliston.

Members of the public were invited to buy baked goods made by volunteers and staff members with $170 raised.

Proceeds from the Sale will help people in need throughout South Simcoe.

This is the 20^th year The Clothes Line has hosted the Sale, missing a few years recently due to COVID–19 restrictions.

“The Clothes Line provides a valuable community service by recycling gently used clothing, small household goods, electronics, toys, and books,” Carey Paulusma, Assistant Store Manager & Online Store Coordinator told The Times. “The Clothes Line also works with many local community organizations to provide free clothing and household goods to those in need. Proceeds raised by The Clothes Line help support CONTACT’s various programs and services.”

Currently, The Clothes Line is accepting many different types of donations.

Organizers ask that you keep in mind the quality and resale value of the goods you are donating before arranging to drop them off.

“If you are unable to sell an item at a garage sale or wouldn’t give it to a friend or a family member, we probably won’t be able to sell it!” said Paulusma.

Current items in need include:

Clothing and accessories: men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, jewellery, hats, mitts, scarves, ties, shoes (all types), purses, and wallets

Housewares: bed and bath Items – towels, bedspreads, comforters, sheets, blankets, pillowcases, curtains, and tablecloths

Kitchen items: mugs, pots, pans, utensils, china cups, dishes, cutlery, glassware, silverware, stemware, cookware, and hand tools

Household items: pictures, frames, vases, baskets, small electrical appliances in good working condition – toasters, radios, power tools, irons, blenders, mixers, small stereos, CD players, hairdryers, curling irons, lamps, telephones, and clocks

Miscellaneous items: games, puzzles, books (hardback and paperback), records, CDs, DVDs, bicycles, and ice skates

Although The Clothes Line appreciates the generosity and goodwill of community members, donations that cannot be sold should not be donated. These items include toys, computers/monitors/printers, VHS or cassette tapes, construction items, motors, paint, food or medicine, infants’ cars seats and cribs, large furniture, major appliances, mattresses or box springs, televisions, tires or rims and toilets or sinks.

Over the years, The Clothes Line has evolved to meet the needs of the community by keeping up with renovations to the store and adding a new shed at the back, to keep donated items dry and free from theft.

“Each year we divert approximately 69 tonnes of textiles and 276 tonnes of clothing and household goods out of landfills,” said Paulusma. “We find new homes for gently used goods, and our clients come from South Simcoe, Toronto, Orangeville and more.”

“Anyone can benefit from shopping at the store,” adds Paulusma. “Our low prices and amazing finds are for everyone. Families with little children can benefit from not having to buy brand new clothing all the times at retail prices for growing little ones.”

Paulusma also told The Times The Clothes Line has an assistance program for those in need of clothing and household goods. “This benefits people in transition, victims of circumstance, and more,” she said.

In addition to another Bake Sale planned at Christmas, The Clothes Line staff and volunteers are currently working on a Fashion Show for the Bradford location, and will participate in the Alliston Potato Festival later this year.

“We are looking at other fundraising options right now and will definitely have more coming up this summer and fall,” said Paulusma. “Plus, we’re always looking for new volunteers.”

CONTACT Community Services’ The Clothes Line in Alliston can be reached by calling 705-434-0790. They are open: Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., summer Fridays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To book a donation time spot visit: www.contactcommunityservices.ca/the-clothes-line. Donations are by appointment only and are accepted at the back entrance via Dickson Lane (off Wellington Street) during regular store hours. Please do not leave items outside, as all items that are wet must be disposed of. 

By Wendy Gabrek

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