A COMMUNITY group is helping residents handle the current cost of living crisis.
Whitley Community Development Association (WCDA), which already runs a food surplus, threw a garage sale at its home on Northumberland Avenue last Thursday.
Clothes, books, school uniforms and miscellaneous items were available at affordable prices.
“It’s gone very well, we’ve sold quite a lot,” WCDA volunteer Majorie Small said.
“This is stuff that we’ve had here at the community centre for quite some time, and we’ve decided now the only way for people to see it is actually to bring it out in the open.”
“Hopefully it’ll be something we can do regularly, at least until [the items] are all gone.”
“We’re inviting anyone from any area, letting them know that they’re welcome to come and take anything they want at really, really reasonable prices.”
The items have been collected through donations made by individuals and shops.
The WCDA was unable to hold the sale sooner due to the pandemic, however, the organisation is looking to launch the project in earnest.
“Especially in these hard times, for the prices that we’re selling the items for, you’ll be sure to get your money’s worth when you come on down,” Ms Small said.
“It’s a little bit of bric-a-brac, new and used clothes and uniforms for children, so there’s really something for everyone.”
Organised by a committed team of volunteers, funds raised from the sale will help support the WCDA’s work.
One of the organisation’s most successful endeavours has been its community cafe, something Ms Small was full of praise for, saying: “We need it. Whether it’s in Whitley or anywhere else.”
“Everyone can benefit from it, especially those in really hard times right now.”
“It’s really important because being in lockdown, everyone was in their homes, no-one could get out. Coming out of the pandemic, everyone’s able to communicate again, mix again, talk again.”
“When they come down to the hub, you’ve got the cafe where you can have something to eat, you’ve got the surplus food, we’ve now got the [garage sale] out here as well. There’s a bit of everything.”
“It’s like going shopping you know, getting a cup of coffee and some clothes, all at affordable prices. And if there’s some people who really can’t afford it we can sort them out as well. Everyone’s welcome.”
