Treasure Trove: Hospice of the Western Reserve holds warehouse sales
Feb. 26—"You never know what you'll find!"
That enthusiastic declaration from Madison Township resident Annie Febel remains a motivating factor behind the Hospice of the Western Reserve's annual quarterly warehouse sales, the first set of which took place Feb. 25-26 at the organization's headquarters location at 17876 St. Clair Ave. in Cleveland.
However, the primary purpose for the sales, of course, originated from a desire to create an event where the public could both support the organization's mission and benefit from acquiring high-quality, reasonably-priced, like-new items.
Shoppers engage with a volunteer during the Feb. 25 warehouse sale held by Hospice of the Western Reserve at 17876 St. Clair Ave. in Cleveland. (Chad Felton ??
"This is a common concept among hospice agencies and funds through our sales, and through Life's Treasures Thrift Shop in Medina benefit community-based programs not covered by Medicare," said Communications Manager Claire Gysegem. "We have families of loved ones who want to give back and there's something really powerful about that."
Initiatives benefiting from the bazaars include comprehensive grief programs, pediatric hospice care, summer camps, extended bereavement counseling, healing arts workshops, music and art therapy, and specialized services for veterans.
Attracting thousands, gently-used items are sold at a fraction of their retail price. Selections often include furniture, framed artwork, lamps, fine china, glassware, antiques, jewelry and "one-of-a-kind" collectibles.
"Our staff spruces things up and curates item settings in a highly organized passionate and wayfinding manner," Gysegem said. "This is much more than a standard warehouse — people aren't tripping over pallets and forklifts. The environment is welcoming and overwhelming, in a good way.
Madison Township resident Annie Febel, right, peruses antique lamps during Hospice of the Western Reserve's warehouse sale on Feb. 25. The nonprofit will hold three more sets of weekend sales this year. (Chad Felton ??
"We've seen thousands of curious shoppers and dedicated hobbyists attend from all over the region, including Michigan and Buffalo, with everything from small cars to U-Haul trucks."
Supported by a myriad of businesses and private donors, Hospice of the Western Reserve has held 37 sales which have raised more than $650,000 since 2013.
Prospective donations are screened by Hospice's volunteer team to ensure all items are in good condition.
The nonprofit does not accept bedding, books, clothing, car seats, electronics, major appliances, medical supplies, sporting goods, children's toys and games, computers, mattresses, televisions, and stuffed animals.
Additionally, arrangements can be made to pick up large furniture or fragile donations free of charge from some locations in Northeast Ohio.
"There really is a sense of pride among all the hard-working folks who make this happen," said Kim Gillan-Shafron, director of communications and public relations. "And families, too, love to see things that are dear to them preserved and received with care. It's much more than just transactional, it's shared love."
Those interested in donating or becoming a warehouse sale volunteer are encouraged to call 216-255-9090 or email warehousesaledonation@hospicewr.org.
To receive notice of upcoming sales, visit hospicewr.org/warehouse.
