Habitat for Humanity Tag Sale

by Nina Goldman

Do you have an old couch in your house that you don’t want but can’t seem to get rid of? This Friday, members of Bronxville High School’s Habitat for Humanity club will gladly help you get it out of your home. But why would they do such a nice thing for you? Well, their motives aren’t purely unselfish (actually, they are, but you’ll see what I mean). The couch that they take from your home will become part of a tag sale the club is hosting in the Bronxville High School Blue Gym at 9:00 AM this Saturday, April 25th.

“When we think of Habitat for Humanity, construction is the first thing that comes to mind,” said club co-President Emilie George, “But in these economic times, the financial side is particularly crucial. That’s why we wanted to do the tag sale.”

Bronxville students in the Habitat for Humanity club have been working on building projects in Yonkers, Greenburgh, Mamaroneck, Armonk, New Rochelle, Pound Ridge, and Peekskill. These building projects are through Habitat for Humanity of Westchester, an affiliate of an international Christian housing ministry whose goal, according to their website, is to “[construct] modest, well-built homes for the poor.” All funds come from donations to the organization.

“100% of the profits [from the tag sale] are being donated to Habitat for Humanity of Westchester,” says co-President Anne Piper.

Three years ago, a tag sale organized by the class of 2008 raised over $10,000. Members of Habitat are hoping to match that success. “I’m hoping we can profit big time from this,” says club member Jessica Mack, and for good reason: more funds will help the club to build a “Zero Energy House,” made with completely sustainable construction materials and renewable energy sources.

The club has been putting “a lot of work” into preparing for the tag sale, says club member John Ranieri, which will last from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The club has been working on Saturday’s sale for months, and has even rented U-Haul trucks to help bring all of the furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, textiles, toys, games, and sports equipment to the school.

“It’s a great cause,” says Anne Piper, “And we really hope to see everyone there!”