Organizations in GI participate in Junk Jaunt for a cause

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - The Junk Jaunt being one of the largest yard sales in Nebraska, is not just for stores looking to make a profit but it’s actually become an avenue for organizations in Grand Island to raise money for a good case.

“All of the profit is going to go to our childcare outdoor playground area,” said Erin Sorahan, childcare director at the Grand Island YMCA.

The Grand Island YMCA wants to revamp their current playground.

“We’re looking at adding a cement pad where we can have some trikes and bikes and getting some awnings, so we have some shade out there as well,” Sorahan said.

These updates will benefit the more than 80 kids who attend their daycare on a regular basis. This is the YMCA’s first attempt at fundraising for the project.

“We’ve done pretty well so far and today’s the last day for it, so hopefully we’ll have a good turnout today,” Sorahan said.

Across town, St. Mary’s Cathedral thrift store was also busy with customers for the Junk Jaunt.

“Today’s been a lot busier than yesterday, the second day of Junk Jaunt is always the busiest day,” said Chelsa Baker, Senior Volunteer at Mary’s Closet.

This thrift store, known as Mary’s Closet, is run solely on donations and all of the proceeds go towards the church’s mission projects.

“Everything is donated by the community and you don’t have to be a parishioner of St. Mary’s to donate or shop here,” Baker said.

Mary’s Closet had been doing the Junk Jaunt for nearly ten years and Baker said it’s a way to spread the word on what they do, and how it helps.

Sunday is the last day of the Junk Jaunt but St. Mary’s and the YMCA will still be accepting donations for their causes. People can drop them off at the church or the front office of the YMCA during business hours.