ABOVE: Many items, from household items to office supplies and more, will be available for purchase and auction at the 19th-annual Kinship Industrial Commercial Rummage Sale and Auction beginning today, Sept. 18, at the Martin County Fairgrounds in Fairmont. Proceeds from the event will benefit Kinship of Martin County’s mentoring programs.

FAIRMONT — While providing ‘good buys’ for the community, mentoring organization Kinship of Martin County is raising additional awareness for its mentoring programs at its 19th annual Kinship Commercial Industrial Rummage Sale and Auction.

“Every year, the event has been different,” Char Kahler said. “It amazes me that all these different businesses bring these things.”

The event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on today, Sept. 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday in the Bank Midwest arena at the Martin County Fairgrounds in Fairmont. A Dutch auction will be on Saturday, and item prices will be reduced each hour until they are free.

Kahler formed the sale, seeking to raise awareness of Kinship’s programs with an original idea that benefits both the organization and the community. This year, Kinship sought donations from businesses within a 50-mile radius. Businesses were encouraged to find operable items that are no longer of use to them. As a result, the event has seen support and donations from approximately 40 businesses, the majority Martin County-based. Kahler reported that many people brought items during the collection dates last week and earlier this week. Kahler said Kinship has also received support from the fair board, allowing them to utilize the building.

“It’s a pleasure that all of these businesses are supporting us, and that all these items can be reused and not thrown away,” Kahler said. “I love it, and I get to meet all these people in the businesses. It’s great to have a partnership with them, and they have been very generous. I’m very thankful.”

Donated items for sale consist of desks, bookshelves, cabinets, cookware, mirrors, doors, utensils, machinery, movie cameras, movie screens, chairs, scales, clocks, stainless steel tanks, curtains, toggle switches, electrical relays, lights, saws, drills, limber, tools, printers, lumber and more.

Kahler hopes to sell or give away everything. She shared excitedly that an anonymous donor will 1:1 match the proceeds from this event. All proceeds and the donation will support Kinship’s mentoring programs. Kahler emphasized the importance of Kinship mentors and volunteers and the community supporting them. According to her, 46 children have been matched with a mentor.

“We need to raise funds for such an important program. If you care about the kids and want to provide them with guidance and a friend. [Customers] benefit by finding good buys while also supporting the kids, “Kahler remarked. “Every child needs someone supportive in their life. It shapes how they grow.”

Kahler explained that additional volunteers will be helpful (especially on Saturday) and can contact Kinship or arrive at the building. More information about the Kinship Industrial Commercial Rummage Sale/Auction can be acquired by contacting Kinship of Martin County at kinship@kinshipofmartincounty.com or (507) 238-4440.