Kiwanis Holiday Sale has become an Ann Arbor tradition
Santa stands guard as volunteers Glenda Maten (in red) and Jill Damon sort and price merchandise for the Kiwanis Christmas sale. The annual Kiwanis holiday sale has become as much an Ann Arbor tradition as Santa Claus and mistletoe.
Janet Miller for AnnArbor.com
Scores of Christmas bargain-hunters historically line up before the 9 a.m. Friday opening, said Carl Dailey, building manager of the Kiwanis Center for the past 22 years.
Ralph Maten said his father, Bob, also a member of the Ann Arbor Kiwanis, started the holiday sale tradition at least 27 years ago. It was a way for local merchants to shed their post-Christmas inventory, avoid paying inventory tax and donate to a good cause, Maten said. Since, the sale has shifted to items donated by residents, although some area stores continue to donate unsold boxes of holiday cards.Â
Called the last downtown department store because of the quality and quantity of goods, from clothing to cameras, the Kiwanis Club offers a department-store-like selection of merchandise for its two-day holiday sale, said volunteer Kathy Griswold.Â
Kiwanis Volunteer Kathy Griswold is surrounded by some of the hundreds of stuffed animals that will be for sale Friday and Saturday.
Janet Miller for AnnArbor.com
Several bins hold hundreds of stuffed animals, from Christmas elves to Hanukkah bears. There are puzzles and sleds and even an unopened electric train ($20). There’s Christmas attire, from fleece pants with a “ho ho ho” design to sweaters. There’s even a suit for Santa himself.Â
Everything needed to decorate a home for the holidays is on sale at super-discount prices: Department 56 collectible ceramic houses; large tin nutcrackers; nativity scenes made of wood, ceramic and glass; knit Santas; velvet Santas and tin Santas.
Nothing is missing: The inventory includes unopened boxes of Christmas cards and stockings looking to be hung by the chimney with care; artificial wreaths and wrapping paper and holiday paper plates and cups. Of course, there are hundreds of ornaments. And there’s a three-foot Santa for $5 and a hand-knit tree skirt for $4.
The sale is a hot spot for artificial Christmas trees, Griswold said. “Last year, as soon as I would build one of the trees, someone would buy it, and I’d be taking it down again. Then I’d build another one, and someone would buy that one.” There are miniature trees along with full-size, ranging from 4 to 10 feet.Â
While the sale offers bargains to holiday shoppers, it also offers help to those in need. Last year, the thrift sale (the store is open every Saturday) raised $176,000 and helped 25,000 people. The holiday sale alone usually raises $8,000.
The holiday sale will run from 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 4 and 5.
Comments
JK
Mon, Dec 7, 2009 : 1:02 a.m.
Kiwanis Rummage Sale has such a great variety of items for sale; you are bound to find what you are looking for here (and at an awesome price)! All of the sales go to a wonderful cause as well. Thanks to Kiwanis for offering a great store and for benefiting our community.
JK
Mon, Dec 7, 2009 : 12:58 a.m.
The Kiwanis Rummage Sale has such a great variety of items for sale; you are bound to find what you need here! All of the money also goes to a wonderful cause.
Chris Cannon
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 8:37 p.m.
The Rummage Sale is such a great thing. There are numerous charities that benefit from this. Love it!
Dave
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 8:33 p.m.
The Kiwanis Christmas Sale is awesome! It gives the shoppers, the sale workers, and those who donate there belongings a great channel to help our community in a big way and have fun doing it. Don't miss it!
caroline
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 12:14 p.m.
I love the holiday rummage sale! Thrifting always finds unique, useful, and economically friendly gifts.
robo
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 12:08 p.m.
The Rummage Sale donates its proceeds to so many great charities! I can't think of a better way to not only help yourself, but to help others at the same time!
Justine
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 11:46 a.m.
The Kiwanis Holiday sale is great. The atmosphere, the donations, the great cause everything goes to. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
Rosaline
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 11:33 a.m.
I love Kiwanis holiday sale! It's a great way to get ready for the holiday season and all for a great cause.
clchau
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 11:33 a.m.
Yay I love going to and volunteering at Kiwanis Rummage Sale! It's always a great time, and there are always a ton of things coming in.
Pete
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 11:33 a.m.
Will be volunteering there this Saturday! I'm excited!
Susan Harris
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 10:02 a.m.
I want to see Kathy live and in person in her Santa hat!
Jacob S.
Thu, Dec 3, 2009 : 10:31 p.m.
There are a lot of great things offered at the rummage sale for all ages. I get great deals and the money goes towards helping others. A win-win situation. Keep up the good work Kiwanis!
LindaE
Thu, Dec 3, 2009 : 6:59 p.m.
The Kiwanis donates to so many community groups, that you can really feel good about shopping at the sale!
Beth
Thu, Dec 3, 2009 : 6:37 p.m.
Our whole family looks forward to this very fun Ann Arbor tradition!
Jim Carey
Thu, Dec 3, 2009 : 3:14 p.m.
There isn't a better place to find a little bit of everything,and help out the youth of our area at the same time with the money that is made.
Tinker Man
Thu, Dec 3, 2009 : 2:25 p.m.
This is a fabulous place to get good decorations and toys for a very reasonable cost. The selection is large and very diverse. A great place to get a lot for a little.
Bob
Thu, Dec 3, 2009 : 1:42 p.m.
You can even find things you weren't look for and didn't need, but the price was right and the cause was good. Thanks for helping to support many Ann Arbor community groups.
tpmcfadden
Thu, Dec 3, 2009 : 1:07 p.m.
I've gone there for years. Lot's of great bargains....and all net proceeds go to help our local community.
Bill
Thu, Dec 3, 2009 : 12:05 p.m.
This is a great story about a very unique Christmas shopping experience here in Ann Arbor.
Kathy Griswold
Thu, Dec 3, 2009 : 9:29 a.m.
Thanks for the great story. Janet Miller captured my impression of Kiwanis -- helping others and having a great time doing it. Look in the latest Clipper Magazine (Dec-Jan issue) for a coupon to save 20% on Holiday Items on the 3rd floor!