Tossed and Found

Many of you know I am in my new member year with the Junior League of Washington, and love it! I have met so many amazing women, and had incredible opportunities to volunteer in the community and really make a difference in people’s lives.

For the past few months, a large portion of my time has been consumed with volunteering for the Junior League of Washington’s largest spring fundraiser, Tossed and Found, a three-day sale offering bargain shoppers quality pre-owned housewares, fashions, books, sporting goods, electronics, and furniture. All items are available at amazing discounts. All goods sold at Tossed and Found are donated by the generous members, friends, and community partners of the Junior League of Washington, and all proceeds benefit the Junior League of Washington’s targeted grants and community programs.

With tens of thousands of items for sale, it has taken months of preparation, but the sale week is finally upon us!

Last night, after volunteering for the final preparations for the event, I had the opportunity to do a little bit of pre-sale shopping, and a chance to scope out the great items up for sale! I spent $11 and picked up two books and a neat paw-print tile making kit. You all know I love to incorporate my love of animals into my life wherever I can, and thought this would be a fun project for my garden. In the same style as children’s handprint making kits, this kit will enable me to make a large tile of Milly’s paw prints in a stylish way. I plan on not only stamping her paws into the tile, but also creating a glass or tile mosaic around the outside, and stenciling her name and possibly “Gotcha Day” date into the tile as well. I think it will look very nice in the garden, and at $4 it was a steal!

The pet section of Tossed and Found has some amazing items at absolute bargain prices. A pair of pet steps (appropriate for a small or medium dog), a Sherpa style bag for a small breed for only $5, numerous dog bags, all toys are only $1, leashes and collars, and dog clothes at only $3 an item! I’m sure I’m leaving out tons of stuff like dog beds, bowls, and leash hooks!

If you are in the Washington, DC area I highly recommend stopping by. The sale is located within the Crystal City Shops at 2100 Crystal City Drive, Arlington, VA. On Friday, March 26^th, from 7:00pm-9:00pm, you can attend Preview Night where there will be both live and silent auctions, games, and wine and beer. Tickets are $40 if you purchase them online, and $45 at the door. This is a great way to give to a wonderful charity, and also a fun way to shop before the sale opens to the public. The sale will run on Saturday, March 27^th from 9:00am – 5:00pm, and on Sunday, March 28^th from 9:00am-3:00pm. Click here for directions to Tossed and Found.

Tossed and Found is a GREEN sale. In 2009, the sale recycled 65 bins of paper, 14 bags of bottles, 7 bins of plastic bags, and 7 of old electronics, and donated 55 bags of clothing and other items to Goodwill. This year, Tossed and Found is staying green. Tossed and Found also donates unsold items to other charities. It's a fitting effort for a sale that recycles quality goods into the community by collecting donated items and selling them at deep discounts.

If you are not in the Washington, DC area, but want to help a wonderful cause you can purchase a $40 Community Cash Card online. Your tax deductible donation will provide an opportunity for a JLW Community Partner, Neighbor In Need, or a Community Organization of your choice to purchase $40 worth of items at our 2010 sale. The actual cards will be distributed by a member of the Tossed and Found Committee. The cards are redeemable for merchandise only, have no cash value and are only valid on the weekend of the 2010 Tossed & Found sale (26-28 March 2010). In this recession local charities truly depend on these cards for items, and your donation will go directly to helping the community. Click here to purchase your Community Cash Card and give back to the community!