Every year, mom gets the same gift: a Hallmark card and free lunch from her kids. This year, do something different. On May 8, the day before Mother’s Day, take her to the rummage sale that Fresh Start and the Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter, are holding at 547 W. Betteravia in Santa Maria.
The rummage sale will definitely charm her heart and will let her know that she has raised a child who is always open to charity. In addition, there will be great items for sale, such as fishing poles, furniture, jewelry, tools, surfboards, and many collectibles.
“People will also be able to donate to the Measles Initiative, and Disaster Relief, which are both run by the Red Cross,” CC Todd, founder of Fresh Start said. “For every dollar donated to either organization, or item purchased, they will earn three tickets, and there will be a raffle every half hour for a bouquet of flowers that [you] can give to mom.”
Central Coast Flowers is donating the flowers, and Heritage House Liquidators donated vases for the bouquet.
Fresh Start began three years ago to aid in the assimilation of immigrants on the Central Coast. The nonprofit offers education about living in the United States, teaches classes on citizenship, and helps those who are in fear of deportation.
“This will be a good experience for those who have only seen negative press about the youth—gangs, and drugs. The youth [who] are working down at the rummage sale are all good volunteers who are out doing good,” Todd said.
The Measles Initiative is a joint program among the Red Cross and several other humanitarian organizations. It provides measles shots to children in more than 60 countries worldwide.
This article appears in May 5-12, 2010.