White Elephant Sale continues Sunday

Friday, Sept. 18, marks the first day of the 77th annual St. James White Elephant Sale. The sale, which runs through Sunday, takes place at St. James Hall, 7776 Eads Ave.

The annual sale benefits local, national and international nonprofit organizations. The sale raises money for such causes as homeless children in Mexico, the homebound elderly, refugees throughout the world, or to help after a disaster such as Hurricane Katrina. Proceeds from last year’s sale - more than $30,000 - went to more than 24 nonprofit groups.

Items in the sale include furniture, artwork, jewelry, clothing, linens, shoes, accessories, antiques and collectibles, books and wide array of “golden treasures.”

“We price our items to sell and raise funds for our many organizations,” said Nan Thomas, co-chairwoman of the 2009 event. “We have blouses starting at $4, skirts and slacks starting at $6, dresses and jackets starting at $10 plus many more items.”

Friday is First Choice night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. First Choice night tickets can be bought in advance at the St. James Gift Shop, 743 Prospect Ave, adjacent to the church. Advance tickets are $10; tickets at the door are $15 and include complimentary wine and cheese. On this night only, 20 percent is added to the listed price of the item.

Saturday sale hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, from noon to 3 p.m., is half-price day, although there are some exceptions. And from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, there is a $5 bag sale. Customers pre-purchase a paper grocery bag for $5. With the exception of some items, they can place as much as the bag will hold. However, if a bag is overflowing, the person must buy a second bag, Thomas said.

Check out the Web site for information and some of the items: