Noah’s Ark to offer up big savings at annual Bag Day
Shoppers searching for a great deal — or many — will find one this week at an island thrift shop.
Noah’s Ark, located at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Sanibel, will host its annual Bag Day on July 30 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Customers can buy marked bags for $5 each starting at 8:30 a.m., fill their shopping bags with as many items as they will hold, then walk out the door with it all.
Larger items that do not fit in a bag will be 80 percent off.
“They fill the bags with anything they can fit,” Noah’s Ark co-chair Mary Chasseur said.
The event is a long-standing tradition for the store, which has been around for about 60 years.
“We clear out the whole store at the end of the season,” she said, noting that it is closed for August and September. “It is a good break to do a deep clean and brainstorm ways to set up the shop next year.”
“So we start out all fresh when we open up in October,” Chasseur added.
Items not sold at Bag Day are packed up and donated to local organizations.
“We have several different charities,” she said.
In a normal year, a long line will form early outside the store before the doors even open. With the pandemic, staff have been handing out admission numbers when open to control the occupancy.
“We’ve been giving numbers to people and letting them in in batches,” Chasseur said.
They will use the same admission system for Bag Day, plus have items set up outside.
“We’re going to have some things outside and inside,” she said. “It’s really festive outside.”
All attendees will have a chance to shop.
“We’ll make sure everybody gets in,” Chasseur said.
Noah’s Ark carries something for everyone.
“Tons of clothing — good clothing. We have women’s, men’s and children’s. We’ve got a lot of children’s clothes right now,” she said, noting that there are purses, jewelry and accessories.
Shoppers will find small household appliances and electronics.
“We’ve got housewares, dishes, throw pillows, quilts. All kinds of nice knickknacks. Shoes. Lots of kids’ toys. Games, puzzles,” Chasseur said. “I am just amazed at the things that people donate.”
The store also carries furniture pieces.
“A lot of chairs, desks, end tables, coffee tables,” she said. “And a lot of nice, framed art.”
Customers who purchase large items, like furniture, must have arrangements.
“We would like them to take it home that day,” Chasseur said, adding that those unable to take their large items day of can plan to do so on the next day. “Saturday we need everything cleared out.”
Operated by the Women of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, the shop is staffed with approximately 80 volunteers during season and about 40 volunteers in the summertime months.
She explained that the Noah’s Ark proceeds help to support multiple charities.
“We have a grants committee that vets various charities. All the money is given away that way,” Chasseur said, adding that the recent focus has been housing, food and medical due to COVID-19.
Two island beneficiaries are F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva and Community Housing and Resources.
While the store takes credit cards and checks, only cash will be accepted for Bag Day.
In addition, there may be times that the Periwinkle Way entrance to the grounds is closed due to construction. If the entrance is closed, shoppers can enter the parking lot via Dunlop Road.
Island residents and visitors are invited to swing by.
“I think they’ll be amazed at what we have, and I think they’ll really be surprised at the sense of community. It is really a fun activity,” she said. “Come and be prepared to have a lot of fun.”
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/noahsarksanibel or call 239-472-3356.
Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop is at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
…..
IF YOU GO
What
Annual Bag Day
When
July 30 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Where
Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Details
Free and open to the public
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email