Visiting Nurse Association Rummage Sale, Far Hills, NJ

Clean out the closets....it's time for the semi-annual Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Rummage Sale in Far Hills, NJ. This post has been updated for the Fall 2008 VNA Rummage Sale, but Google can't seem to keep up with Roxy.

The famous VNA Rummage Sale, held every fall and spring at the Fairgrounds in Far Hills, New Jersey, is New Jersey's largest and oldest. As a major fundraiser for the VNA, one of the Roxiticus Desperate Housewives' favorite charities, 100% of the proceeds support the VNA’s programs and enable the VNA to care for those who are uninsured or underinsured. If you haven't been before, prepare yourself! Bargains are everywhere, and the selection, spread out over 75,000 square feet, is incredible: clothing, appliances, antiques, sporting goods, furniture, dishes, books...you name it and you'll find it there.

Spring Sale Dates 2008 are as follows:

• Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3: 9:30AM - 3:30PM
• Sunday, May 4: 12:30PM - 3:30PM

PAYMENT FOR MERCHANDISE: Shoppers can pay for goods with cash or checks (proper identification needed). An ATM is available on site. Credit cards are not accepted. Admission and parking is free. For more information, the Rummage phone line is (908) 781-6445.

Spring Donation Dates began this past weekend, and run from Saturday, April 5 through Wednesday, April 23.
Donation hours are Monday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
Warning: when they say the cutoff is Wednesday, April 23rd at 1:00pm, they mean it. One Spring, Rex and I got stuck in traffic and showed up with a Jeep full of computer equipment and clothing at 1:02pm. The madman at the gate turned us away, and we had to wait until the Fall Rummage Sale to make our contribution.

What the VNA Rummage Sale accepts, and other guidelines:

• As you box your household items or bag your clothing, please sort like items together.
• Keep in mind that if the VNA cannot sell an item at the end of the sale, they will have to use Rummage Sale proceeds to pay for disposal, so please only donate saleable items.
• Please limit the weight of each box or bag of donations to less than 20 lb. for easy handling by volunteers.
• CLOTHING, SHOES, & CLOTHING ACCESSORIES: The VNA accepts clean items in good to excellent condition. The VNA cannot accept clothes with stains, tears, worn elastic bands, broken zippers or are missing buttons, shoes without buckles or laces, and belts that are tattered and worn.
• ELECTRICAL: The VNA Rummage Sale accepts clean electrical items in working condition. Vacuum cleaners must have all parts and model must be less than 10 years old. Please box or bag all parts together and attach to the electrical item.
• FURNITURE: The VNA will accept furniture in good to excellent condition. Luggage must be in excellent condition. No locked luggage without keys or combination. Car seats for infants and children must be manufactured within five years, a SAFETY CODE requirement.
• HOUSEHOLD/KITCHEN: The VNA accepts clean, saleable items in good to excellent condition. Pots and pans without lids or tops are acceptable. Tupperware and other containers (cookie jars, canisters, etc.) must have lids. They cannot accept items that are broken, chipped, or are missing pieces.
• TOYS: The VNA will accept all games, stuffed animals, dolls, toys, and puzzles. They cannot accept large plastic toys that are broken, missing pieces or have split parts.

Proceeds from your generous donations directly benefit VNA patient services and hospice program.

You'll find a list of items that are unacceptable at the VNA web site.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?: Join over 250 individuals who volunteer at the VNA Rummage Sale. There is plenty to do, and the Visiting Nurses welcome whatever time you can give whenever you are able. For information, call 908-781-6445.