This week, staff writer Laura Rysz talks with Jeannie Kreis McDonald about an upcoming sidewalk sale raising money for St. Joseph’s Center.
Residence: Dunmore
Professional background: Senior program planner at Lockheed Martin
Title: St. Joseph’s Auxiliary member,volunteer and event chairwoman
Q: What inspired this event?
A: We have a white elephant booth at St. Joseph’s Festival. The 2020 festival was canceled because of COVID-19, but we still had a warehouse full of items that were priced and packed for the white elephant. We took a chance and held a sidewalk sale at the Blakely Street campus. The sale was a success, so we decided to do it again this year.
Q: How does the fundraiser work?
A: An appeal was made to the public through social media and church bulletins that we were collecting gently used items for the sale. A team of volunteers met every Monday night and Saturday morning from April 12 through May 10 to receive, price and pack all donations. One-hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to St. Joe’s to support a variety of programs.
Q: What else will be on hand at the event?
A: New this year will be “Ribbons and Bows,” a festival favorite where we sell new items such as wrapping paper, ribbon, gift tags, bows and gift bags.
Q: What are some of the items being sold?
A: Our Book Booth is one of our most popular with a wide variety of both fiction and non-fiction. We have a great selection of children’s toys and games, household items (dishes, glassware, utensils), pictures, picture frames, candles, decorative items and holiday decorations, to name a few. We also have purses and costume jewelry, tools, and electronics. This year we are adding a vintage table with Department 56 Snow Babies.
Q: How will proceeds be used?
A: Proceeds benefit St. Joseph’s Center.
Q: What is unique about this fundraiser?
A: We have something for everyone. If you have college students, we can set them up in their apartment; if you are into vintage or collectibles, we have a variety of unique items. But what really is special about St. Joe’s are the clients, the residents, their families, staff and volunteers. The sidewalk sale is one of many events that you can enjoy and know that you are making a difference, and that alone is a special feeling.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.