Cloth sale sews a brighter future for young people in York

Cotton bolts.

Rolls of wool.

Balls of wool.

Remnants of rayon.

Packs of zippers and closures.

Spools of thread.

Pattern boxes.

Boxes of knitting needles.

Boxes of craft supplies.

Rows of sewing machines.

Five halls in the Salvation Army basement on South Duke and East King Streets are filled with tables and carts of colorful and organized supplies for the annual Salvation Army Auxiliary Cloth Sale. Fabrics range from sequins to quilt coverings; materials for dresses and suits to furnishing fabrics.

This is a major event for the few dozen active members of the auxiliary.

But it’s worth it. Four years ago, the sale brought in $7,000. The following year, $13,000. This was followed by $15,000 in 2016 and $23,000 last year.

The money goes into the auxiliary account, explains Major Erma Camuti. Mary Anne Gallagher, chair of the event for four years, and Donna Sheffer, chair this year, report that the money is mostly used for youth programs.

After: York once had over 100 public fallout shelters. If we are bombed, some could still be used.

After: She is working to plant 200 trees along the Susquehanna Trail to honor veterans

After: Degen’s has closed. To me it was just ‘Tante Renie’ (column)

“We have a lot of retired teachers in the auxiliary,” notes Mary Anne, and their priority is the children. This includes purchasing books for the after-school learning center, scholarships and t-shirts for summer camps, field trips, winter coats for youth, and handouts. of toys.

The auxiliary also purchased much-needed tables for the dining room, as well as a new television for the community hall. A recent purchase is a life-saving AED (automated external defibrillator).

It’s all part of the Auxiliary’s more than 50 years of support for the Salvation Army.

Months of labor are spent selling fabrics beginning in January, when Auxiliary Members solicit sewing materials and machines from businesses and individuals in York and neighboring counties. This year, a Lemoyne company donated 200 rolls of fabric for curtains and upholstery.

Fifty used and donated sewing machines were cleaned and, if necessary, repaired. They stand in rows waiting for people to buy them. A few newer machines are included in a silent auction.

The fabric sale runs from Thursday June 21 to Saturday June 23.

However, when the sale is over, the Salvation Army invites church groups and other nonprofits who create quilts and blankets for those in need to come “and take what they need” , says Mary Anne.

Erma Camuti reports that the sale “attracts people from everywhere”. Cottons are of particular interest to buyers due to the number of quilters in the area.

But, wait, there’s more. Christmas seasonal fabrics and decorations are also available long before the holidays.

It takes about 35 volunteers – women and men – to manage the sale. Additional help comes from United Way of York County Day of Action volunteers on June 22.

If you are going to

The York Salvation Army Fabric Sale runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 21 and Friday, June 22. Hours of operation on the last day, Saturday, June 23, are 9 a.m. to noon.

The price of the fabric is per meter. Saturday is “$5 a bag day,” with anything that fits in a bag of groceries sold at that price.

Entrance to the building is from the car park.Gordon Freireich is a former editor of the York Sunday News. Email: [email protected].