WEST PITTSTON — A community-wide yard sale at Trinity Episcopal Church on July 1 that attracted over 100 residents to the church grounds provided much more than deals on hand-crafted items, homemade foods and fellowship.
The sale, which takes place the first Saturday of the month from May to September, raises money for the church’s mission outreach, said the Rev. John Major, pastor. “It also emphasizes our commitment to community.”
Major is quick to recall the church’s efforts after flooding from Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. “We went from door to door, assessing the needs of our neighbors,” he said.
The church’s response during that crisis inspired the establishment of episcopalRELIEFnepa, an organization assisting people “affected by life’s storms.”
The organization, of which Major is the director, seeks to assist people in crisis, ready to provide shelter, a hot meal and the opportunity to charge their cellphones.
Equally important, Major said, are periodic social gatherings or providing a listening ear for someone going through a difficult time.
Major said the church, with about 150 members, also emphasizes support for young families.
“A great example of that is our MUSICare Project, part of the international Music Together program,” he said. “It’s like gathering with family behind a piano to sing favorite songs and make memories.”
The church also partners with Global Mission Outreach: Kajo-Keji, a world mission project, supporting the Episcopal Church of Kajo-Keji, Sudan, Africa, through various efforts, including help with maintenance and construction of schools and dorms.
West Pittston resident Maria Pardini, a vendor at the sales for about six years, said attending the yard sale is like spending time out with friends. … The camaraderie here is overwhelming.”
Pardini provided detailed information on the items she was selling and suggestions for their use. Some multi-colored crocheted squares could be used as kitchen “scrubbies” or to exfoliate skin, while another carefully sewn item could be frozen or microwaved to relieve pain or stress.
“Our vendors are pretty loyal,” said Major. “They know each other.”
Always looking for input from his church members, Major said the yard sale itself was the brainchild of a church member.
“About 10 years ago, we were looking for a way to bring our neighbors together,” he said. “One of our church members who had lived in Philly came up with the idea.”
Those who came hungry were not disappointed.
Baked items, chicken soup, potato salad and “wimpies” were on the menu in the church hall. And Major put to use his secret “Padre’s Pizza” recipe, as well.
Major said the yard sale averages about $2,000 a season. “That’s about $20,000 we have been able to direct to missions in the last 10 years,” he said.
Melissa Walker, of Pittston Township, a vendor at the sale, was hoping to make a few dollars for an upcoming family vacation.
“This is a great neighborhood and a nice day; I enjoyed everything about it,” she said, “including the opportunity for neighborly conversation.”
Danielle Marvau who recently moved to West Pittston and was already a yard sale aficionado, said she was happy to find out about such a large sale in her new neighborhood.
“I’m going to keep coming back, definitely,” she said.
