One of the Lawrence Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization’s favorite traditions returns in March–and it started decades before many of the school’s current students were born. The group has hosted a biannual Children’s Used Toy and Clothing Sale since 1984, and the first sale of 2019 will be held March 23 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at LES, 40 Craven Ln.
Over 100 families from the community will sell items including gently used spring and summer children’s clothing in sizes newborn to 16 as well as maternity clothing, baby equipment and accessories, sports equipment, toys, books, videos, and much more.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the community to recycle gently used items and find great bargains,” said PTO member Christine Ostermann.
Any items remaining after the sale are donated to organizations that support local families in need, and a large portion of the proceeds help support LES programs and events through the PTO. The PTO’s last sale in October of 2018 yielded 125 targeted donations that went to Lawrence Township children, and Martin House filled a 15-foot box truck with donations to children in surrounding towns.
The sale began in 1984, and it runs twice a year in the spring and fall. Over 10,000 items are sold at each sale, Ostermann said.
“I think what it makes it so successful is the time spent organizing it all by the co-chairs, Heather Mullen and Kristi Lynn Reading,” Ostermann said. They spend months preparing so everything runs like a well-oiled machine.”
For questions, email les.clothing@yahoo.com. For more information, visit the Facebook group or lawrencevillepto.com.
