By Jason Gabak
Since closing its doors this spring due to concerns with COVID-19 in the interest of protecting the health of those who go there, the Manlius Senior Activity Centre has had to make some difficult decisions like canceling its usual fundraising events.
Sarah Berman, president of the board at the centre, said this has led to the staff and board looking at alternatives to hold some fundraising while still being as safe as possible.
“We usually do a number of fundraisers,” Berman said. “We usually have our tag sale in April and we had to cancel that. We had to start looking at new ways we could do things to recover some of that.”
When a board member noted that they had property that could accommodate a sale and that there would be room to put up tents and have different areas that would allow for social distancing, an idea began to take shape from there.
For two days, Aug. 8 and 9 from 10 to 3 p.m. at 8224 Penstock Way, the centre will host a sale to benefit the senior centre’s programs.
Berman said as the idea came together, she wondered if there would be a need to advertise that the centre was looking for items for the sale, but soon found that there was not much need as the community sprung into action showing its support.
“It took on a life of its own,” Berman said. “People have been so generous with donations. We didn’t even need to advertise. We are so grateful to the community and the way people have supported us.”’
Donations began to pour in as the word got out and Berman said the sale is shaping up to be impressive.
With multiple areas to explore, Berman said there is something for everyone.
From household items, toys, tools, antique and vintage items as well as works of art and almost everything else in between, Berman said she hopes guests will be excited a find some treasures.
“The response has been great,” Berman said. “We had to get a storage unit to hold everything. That is why we are holding this for two days. There is so much and are so grateful to the community and we hope everyone can find something.”
Berman said anticipation is building for the event.
The centre’s annual tag sale usually draws good crowds with collectors and dealers as well as casual shoppers usually in attendance, and based on what she is hearing, Berman is anticipating similar turnout for this sale.
The overall purpose of the sale it twofold.
Berman said raising funds that support the work at the centre is vitally important, but during these past few months with the centre closed, it is a way to reach out and stay connected with the community.
“These past few months we keep hearing please reopen,” Berman said. “This is a way to stay in touch and let people know we are still here and when it is safe we will reopen, but in the meantime we are still here and we are still doing what we can.”
Berman said at the sale social distancing guidelines and face coverings will be required and she said the property is large enough that people should be able to shop safely without the need to wait, but patience is appreciated.
“We want to do everything as safely as possible,” Berman said.
