Kinship programs supported with sale

FAIRMONT -- In support of its youth mentorship programs, Kinship of Martin County is hosting the 22nd annual Kinship Industrial Commercial Rummage Sale and Auction.

"It's wonderful," said Char Kahler. "It's a double joy for me because it raises money for the Kinship kids, for my passion of mentoring, which makes such a huge difference, and such a simple concept that if you provide a child with someone who cares, it can turn their life around. Another passion that I have is for reusing and recycling, not having things go to our landfill. "

The event officially began on Thursday, Sept. 24 and continues with a Dutch auction (prices reduced every hour) from 8:30 to 11 a.m. today, Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Bank Midwest building at the Martin County Fairgrounds in Fairmont. At the event, customers can take boxes to shop and pick any items marked with price tags. There are about 40 event volunteers who are helping at the event.

Since the event began, there have been about 3,000 new and used items for sale, including office furnishings, supplies, tools, tables, chairs, electrical materials and more. The items were generously donated by area businesses and community members.

"It gives me the opportunity to connect with local businesses who are extremely generous, and particularly this year, I think we went over the top with generosity with new items. There are some fantastic donors. It's always a surprise every year what’s different," Kahler said.

The Kinship Industrial Commercial Rummage Sale and Auction are Kinship of Martin County's biggest fundraisers in terms of size and proceeds.

"For all those reasons, and its visibility," said Kahler, when asked when Kinship wanted to continue this sale for those 22 years. "You know, people have started to identify that having this is good for both things. Businesses do so much for Kinship. We thought maybe this would be some way that we could give back, to give them an opportunity where they have things but don't really want to dumpster, and don't have an avenue to get rid of it. This is a good way to help Kinship and help them, too."

Founded in 1999 and officially beginning mentoring programs in 2000, Kinship of Martin County has been offering youth mentoring programs for children ages 5 to 15 by matching them with a supportive volunteer mentor to promote support, guidance, growth and friendship. The event proceeds directly support the youth mentorship programs at Kinship of Martin County and help keep them thriving.

Sales have so far been successful. Kahler remarked that it is wonderful to see people supporting Kinship, whether they have donated items, shopped for items or volunteered at the event.

"They become more aware of the program, and it astounds me that some people still do not know about what a fantastic program it is, and so this brings awareness to a wider audience of people," said Kahler.

She said the goal for the event is to have every item out of the building.

"You get something you need for a very low price, brand new. Then that money goes to help our mentoring program, so you're doing two good things at once," said Kahler.

Kahler said people can further support Kinship of Martin County by becoming mentors or Rent-A-Ment mentors. At the time of writing, Kinship of Martin County has 11 children on their youth mentorship program waitlist. For additional information about Kinship of Martin County and the Kinship Industrial Commercial Rummage Sale and Auction, visit kinshipofmartincounty.com or contact kinship@kinshipofmartincounty.com or (507) 238-4440. The office is located at 119 East 2nd Street in Fairmont.