Kent Presbyterian Church hosted its annual rummage and bake sale Saturday.

The church, located across from Kent State on Summit Street, held the sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and shoppers were allowed to fill a bag for only two dollars starting at 1 p.m.

Starting in late June, congregation members and their friends gathered items from their garages and attics to donate to the sale. Many members of the congregation have children that have left home, so they had a lot of items to donate.

“We know it’s time to pass down the treasures,” Ann Ward, a church member and lead organizer said.

The items were organized by categories throughout the room. Clothing, only 50 cents per item, lay in the center of the room. Home decor, including kitchen utensils, picture frames and more lay to the left of the room and children’s toys, books and jewelry were in the front.

The church set their sale apart from others by including baked goods ranging from a full peach pie to individual brownies, all under $5.

“I have grandchildren that I shop for every year,” Mary Caples said.

Caples came to the rummage sale with her daughter, who is currently expecting, and two grandchildren. While there weren’t many items for the new baby, Caples still found six pieces of clothing, a new plastic trash bin, a jewelry box and more for just $18.

“Whatever we can find is a blessing,” Caples said. “This sale helps the church, and it helps the community.”

Caples, like many others, heard about the rummage sale through newspaper ads. First Presbyterian church placed ads in the Record Courier and the Kent Stater.

Ward said the ads run a few weeks in advance because they want to draw a large crowd. In past years, the church has earned between $600 and $1,000. After paying for operating costs, the remaining money and items go to local clothing centers, Kent Social Services, the Miller House and homeless veterans.

“We call it a mission, but it’s not a church-related mission,” Ward said. “It’s giving to social services in Portage County.”

Gingy Stypa, an administrative assistant in Kent’s College of Nursing, also attended the event. From her office on campus, she saw fliers for the event and decided to search for items to support her hobbies.

Stypa enjoys repurposing old jewelry. In particular, she takes old watch faces and attaches them to bracelets to create a new piece of wearable art. Stypa also found candles, candle holders and a Vera Bradley handbag for only 50 cents.

“It’s good for them to raise money this way,” Stypa said. “The items are affordable, and we’re giving to a great cause.”

Arkayla Tenney-Howard is the religion reporter. Contact her at [email protected].