BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Great South Side Sale is back for its 29th showing Saturday, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting programming for children in South Bethlehem.
It’ll take place rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Broughal Middle School's football field, 114 W. Morton St.
Sales are cash only.
During the Move-Out Collection drive in May, Lehigh University students, faculty, staff and community members have donated usable, unwanted items to the cause.
"The sale allows local residents to buy [with dignity] terrific bargains at well-below-thrift-shop prices."Event organizer Kim Carrell-Smith
Volunteers have been busy rounding up literal tons of donations and taking them to be organized and priced at the Lehigh Health, Science and Technology Building.
Even brand-new items at the sale go for a fraction of the retail price, with an average cost of just $1.
Event organizer and retired Lehigh professor Kim Carrell-Smith said in an email that all the efforts make for a fine example of “fostering goodwill between town and gown” and an event that's “just plain fun.”
“Collecting all of these donations keeps them from accumulating on sidewalks, as trash, and creating a mess in our neighborhoods," Carrell-Smith said.
"And the sale allows local residents to buy [with dignity] terrific bargains at well-below-thrift-shop prices.
“And community members work alongside Lehigh staff and faculty members during the whole process, which is a great community-building experience.”
Save money, help your neighbors
Over the years, money from the sales has gone to children’s programming in South Bethlehem through Lehigh’s Community Service Office.
That includes activities such as field trips, music materials for special-needs students and homework clubs.
Also, the funds have helped put up bleachers for sporting events at Broughal Middle School, supported the social and mental health support center at Donegan Elementary School and benefited the Southside Little League, Carrell-Smith said.
Even four Southside food pantries, local homeless shelters and the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem see donations of food, toiletries and other cleaning materials through the efforts, she said.
From $25 in proceeds in 1996 to pushing $30,000 just last year, Carrell-Smith said it seems to keep growing each year as it approaches its third decade.
