Cross-stitched pillows, a vintage wicker toy chest and matching bookshelf, antique sewing tables and thousands of other novelties line the walls of the St. James’ Parish Hall ahead of this week’s ninth annual St. James’ Day School Giant Rummage Sale.
The rummage sale begins with a preview party from 5:30-7:30 tonight; tickets for the party cost $10 and are available at the church office, 1026 S. Washington Ave., and at the door.
The sale, which also takes place at the church, continues Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 8-11 a.m. Admission is free on Friday and Saturday.
Tables in the parish hall brim with bed linens, holiday decor, toys, baby items, furniture, sporting goods, rugs and kitchen supplies donated throughout the year by parish and community members. The goods are then unpacked, sorted and priced in July by day school and church volunteers, who work for weeks to organize the inventory.
Proceeds raised from the sale benefit the day school, which educates about 70 children from 2-year-olds to kindergarten age.
“We are so fortunate to have St. James’ Day School in our community,” said Debi Hendrix, a member of the school’s board of directors who is the sale’s go-to expert on pricing. “It is a place that nurtures, loves and supports our children and provides a positive environment for learning.”
Ginny Cochran, the school’s director and long-time kindergarten teacher who attended the school as a child, said the rummage sale helps provide opportunities, resources and experiences not covered by monthly tuition.
“It has provided funds for playground equipment and upgrades, technology improvements, hands-on classroom materials and staff development,” she said.
The school has a garden and composting center, and each year the kindergarten students perform a circus for younger schoolmates. Other highlights of the students’ school year include a Western Day, Mad Scientist on Fridays and Star Days.
“St. James’ is truly a special place that celebrates early childhood,” Cochran said.
Emily Pieralisi is a former art teacher who will teach a pre-kindergarten class at St. James’ this fall. Her two older sons attended St. James’, and her youngest son will start kindergarten there in August.
She said the rummage sale supports many of the opportunities teachers foster in their students’ early years.
“Childhood magic happens at St. James’ Day School,” Pieralisi said.
