A warehouse in East Columbus is filling up with everything from bedding sets to baskets in preparation for an extensive rummage sale to benefit the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society. Five local chapters of Beta Sigma Phi are joining together to help the local animal shelter move a step closer to getting the new facility it desperately needs.
“We”re having a big indoor rummage sale Saturday, April 4, from 7 a.m. to noon to raise money for the Humane Society. Everything we take in is earmarked for the building fund,” said DeLores Belhumeur, of Beta Sigma Phi, an international social, cultural and service organization for women.
“We started planning this about a year ago. It takes a lot of people to put it together, and everybody”s worked so hard. We”re still collecting sale items, but already we have such a variety, including curtains, baby accessories, glassware, ceramics, some furniture and much more.”
The Humane Society took in more than 3,700 dogs and cats in 2008, according to Jason Nickles, shelter manager.
“It ranges from around 200 a month to more than 400 a month at different times of the year,” Nickles explained. “Spring and summer are the times we”re hardest hit.”
In addition to more space, the proposed new shelter would be more practical in disease control and offer more functional sanitation, Nickles added.
“We just really appreciate what Beta Sigma Phi is doing for the shelter; everything adds up,” the manager said.
The sale takes place in warehouse space donated by Linda and George Sobley, of Sobley Excavating, at 69 Union Drive. Linda is a member of Beta Sigma Phi.
“If you turn East on Yorkville Road off Highway 69 South, Union Drive is just across from Omnova — just look for the red dump trucks,” said Belhumeur with a smile.
Donations of aluminum cans, soda can pull tabs and old cordless and cell phones are welcomed at the rummage sale and will be used to benefit the shelter. Pedigree pet food and supplies such as laundry detergent, paper towels and disinfectant are also welcome. CLHS staff will also have several animals up for adoption on site.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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