From February 19 to 21, Englewood Methodist Church will throw open the doors of its gym-sized Fellowship Hall at 700 E. Dearborn. Inside and out, you’ll find thousands of items. This marks year 40 for what folks around here call the area’s biggest and best annual rummage sale, only skipping 2021 because of the pandemic.
Want first pick? Come Thursday, February 19, from 3 to 6 p.m. That’s the “Early Bird” Pre-Sale. There’s a $5 admission fee for early access, but you get the jump on the best treasures. Just head to one of the clearly marked “Wristband Sales” tents in the Fellowship Hall parking lot for your entry.
Friday and Saturday, everyone can enter for free to shop Friday, February 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, February 21, from 9 a.m. to noon. Grab a bite while you’re here, as affordable food will be for sale each day.
You’ll find just about everything: furniture, small appliances, electronics, toys, clothes, jewelry, fabric and craft supplies, books, artificial flowers, art, yard and shop tools, hardware, kitchenware, home décor; the list goes on. If you love a bargain, this is your paradise.
The Methodist Women started this tradition, and for decades they’ve used the sale to raise money for charity, both in the community and abroad. Methodist Men have always pitched in too, and now it’s a joint project. They split the proceeds to fund projects that help people in need.
The money goes to postsecondary scholarships for local youth involved with the church, which draws over 2,000 people each season. The Methodist Women also support Foundations Pre-School, Englewood Meals on Wheels, Englewood Community Care Clinic, and international missions. Their Creative Workshop’s annual Christmas Bazaar in November, another local favorite, raises even more for good causes. In fact, donations grew so much that seven years ago, the team added a Christmas-Only Rummage Sale just to make room for the February event.
The Methodist Men add their share of the rummage sale proceeds to funds raised from their famous Country Breakfasts, held every other Saturday from February 14 to March 28, 7:30 to 11 a.m. Adults can load up on all-you-can-eat pancakes and other menu options for $10; kids under 12 eat free. While you’re there, check out the affordable, hand-crafted gifts, decorations, and useful items made by the church’s Creative Workshop.
Donations for this rummage sale closed on February 7, but after the sale, they’ll open up again—watch for the announcement. After that, you can drop off clothing and small items at the donation shed in the church’s back lot. For large items or furniture, call to arrange a pickup once drop-offs reopen.
Need directions or more info? Go to www.englewoodmethodist.com or call the Church Office at 941-474-5588, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
