Thrifty Shoppers are Making Rummage Room Their Destination

The Rummage Room opened its doors Monday morning at 10:00am and the crowds were already lined up on the sidewalk.

Each year, the volunteer staff begin planning this anniversary sale months in advance, and the apparel, jewelry, purses and housewares fly off the racks and shelves at very reasonable prices.

Staff said popular items include cashmere sweaters, which are available in a multitude of colors, and generally priced at $22.00, as well as fur coats and jewelry are always popular.

The shop is always buzzing, but Monday there was hardly room to move, though no one was complaining. The event last year brought in $14,000 and this year the staff hope to exceed that total, even if by only $1.00. On an annual basis the store generally raises $150-$175,000, which goes to charities that help women and children.

Since coming into existence 50 years ago Rummage Room has raised a whopping $4 million, thanks to the generosity of the community and a dedicated fleet of volunteers.

Among the volunteers on Monday was Gabriele Cattoni, who started volunteering at Rummage Room back in 8th grade and over time filled his civics requirement at GHS as well as 30 hours a year for National Honor Society. Yet even after filling his volunteer requirements, he continues to volunteer about 40 weeks a year, 2 hours every Friday.

Gabriele, who said his family moved to Greenwich from Milan, Italy in time for him to attend Greenwich Public Schools, speaks Italian at home. He went to North Mianus School, Eastern and starts his senior year at GHS this week.

Asked why he continues volunteering at Rummage Room, having filled his required hours, he said, “Because I like it and it’s better than being home sitting on the couch.”

The Rummage Room’s 50th Grand Reopening Sale continues all week. The hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm!