Hundreds of people line up every year well before a huge annual flea market even opens, ready to prowl the sale's six acres.
Desert Skies United Methodist Church's Annual Flea Market, now in its 24th year, is held the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday of November every year.
It opens at 7 a.m. daily, but folks get there well in advance.
"It takes four days and 150 volunteers to set up," said Emmitt Warner, 81, a co-chairman of the event.
For sale: kitchenware, jewelry, toys, clothes, appliances, books, sporting goods and even motor vehicles.
"Our stuff is priced very reasonably, and we have more stuff this year than any other year," said Max Crowell, 69, another co-chairman of the event.
Throughout the year, volunteers from the church collect goods from garage sales and estate sales and accept donations, selling them from 8 a.m. to noon every Monday at the church, 3255 N. Houghton Road.
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Anything not sold on Mondays is put aside for the yearly flea market.
"It seems that every year, something happens that stands out, and it makes you feel that there is still good out there," said Cinda Corsen, 62, who's been volunteering with the church since 1996.
"One year we had a lady who bought a purse, and she found $160 in it and she brought the money back and donated it to the church."
The church has already raised $50,000 through its Monday sales alone.
Last year it raised $103,000 at the November sale. Organizers expect to make at least $120,000 this year.
"I enjoy volunteering because not only do we make friends, but the profit we make goes to different charities, and that's just a great feeling," said Corsen.
Seventy-five percent of the proceeds go to local organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity and the 6th Street Gym.
People come to the sale from all over, including Mexico, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada.
"We have one guy who comes every year and buys about 300 pairs of shoes and brings them down to an orphanage in Mexico," Warner said.
"It just isn't a place where we sell used goods - it's an outreach program that helps a lot of people."
IF YOU GO
What: Desert Skies United Methodist Church 24th Annual Flea Market
When: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 7 a.m.-noon Saturday
Where: Desert Skies United Methodist Church, 3255 N. Houghton Road
Refreshments: Free coffee is available; doughnuts, sodas and hot dogs will be for sale.
To learn more: Call 749-0521
Stephanie Fousse is a University of Arizona journalism student who is an apprentice at the Star. Contact her at starapprentice@azstarnet.com
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