In 2019, proceeds from the sale were used to purchase playground equipment, according to Bethany Heath, Parent Teacher Fellowship organizer for CCS.

“Last year we were able to purchase some used playground equipment from the Boxholm school,” said Heath, who has lived in Fort Dodge since 2007. “We used the money from our garage sale to purchase the new playground set for the kids and get the correct and safe rubberized pieces underneath.”

But when the COVID-19 pandemic began in the spring, it was questionable whether or not the fourth annual sale would take place this year. In past years, the sale is held in the school’s gymnasium. But the school also holds a day care within the same space.

“We had to find an off-campus location to keep our day care kids safe because they are still meeting every week day at the school,” Heath said. “All the babies up to pre-k and even older.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Bethany Heath, Parent Teacher Fellowship organizer for Community Christian School, sorts some items for sale at Crossroads Mall on Friday. CCS is holding its fourth annual Epic CCS Rummage Sale there.

That’s when one of the volunteers suggested moving the rummage sale to the mall.

“We thought we would ask them and they were so generous to give it to us for a price we could afford,” said Heath.

The items are located in the old Maurices store in the Crossroads Mall, 217 S. 25th St.

“We came here and it’s like the perfect location,” Heath said. “The size is awesome. We normally have it in our gym at school and is a very comparable size, but we get this year we get air conditioning and a fancy cash register.”

Friday marked the first day of the sale, but Heath and other volunteers have been preparing for much longer.

“Planning for the event happens in April,” Heath said. “We started at this location collecting items, sorting items and pricing items on June 16. So we have been here a full month ahead of the sale. Working twice a week we come in for a few hours. Just all volunteers, getting it all ready.”

Sale items include furniture, household appliances and kitchen items, home and holiday decor, infant to adult-sized clothing, shoes, toys, athletic gear, and many books. Furniture includes couches, tables, chairs, lamps and a piano.

The items are donated from local people who support CCS.

“Lots of different churches, friends and family of school students and teachers,” Heath said. “Lots of different faces in the community contribute.”

Heath said every year the fundraiser has grown.

“There’s people in the community who enjoy coming and we enjoy having them,” Heath said. “It’s a good fundraiser for the school. It goes toward general operating costs, curriculums, just anything the school needs.”

In the first year Heath said about $1,000 was raised.

The last sale brought in over $6,000.

Heath said she’s enjoyed having her students attend CCS.

“My kids and I have been there for five years and we like CCS just for the good faith-based education and small class sizes,” Heath said. “Strong and mighty class sizes is what we say over there. Individualized attention that our kids get there and just a good faith-based education. They are reiterating what we teach at home. Good morals and values and we enjoy that about the school.”

The rummage sale continues today starting at 10 a.m. Doors close at 5 p.m. The sale will also be held on July 24 and 25.

On the last day of the sale, all items will be half price.