By lisagracekellogg@icloud.com | on August 26, 2022
Oxnard–The Wilson Senior Center hosted its Rummage Sale Saturday, August 20, which meant lots of great and reasonably priced items for sale, delighting attendees.
I NCLUDED in the items were books, furniture, kitchen items, knick-knacks, and lots of clothing; the crowd enjoyed and stocked up on bargains.
Senior Center Director Desire Ventura led the event and said the Rummage Sale started in 2011 but took a couple of years off because of Covid-19.
“Everyone is totally self-contained,” she said about the vendors bringing items to the event. “The money (we raise) goes straight into Senior activities. We sell them a spot, and they do their own sales.”
She noted that the Rummage helps residents get rid of items they don’t want.
“At the end, we have a truck that comes through, and whatever they don’t want, instead of being thrown into the landfill, we’re donating it to the Boys & Girls Club of the Avenue,” she said. “It also helps the community pick up things at a discounted rate.”
Desire said the funds raised help them buy things like dominoes for the Seniors and a new stereo for exercise classes.
“We need a new Wii, so maybe we can put some money towards that,” she said. “The Seniors let us know some of the things that are getting worn down.”
Residents who haven’t visited a Senior Center will discover how each venue is a Recreation Center when they check it out.
“The kids have their little drop-in centers for recreation, where they can go and play basketball and pool,” she said. “This is our version for the Adults and Seniors if they want to play pool, ping-pong, or they just want to sit down, socialize and have a cup of coffee.”
She said they can also join the Senior Nutrition Program, use the computers, and there is a free library where they can take books.
“There are social hours with Mah Jongg, cards, or Loteria,” she said. “They come in, play, and do their own thing.”
The proceeds from the Rummage Sale get deposited, and they make requests for things they need to the leadership.
“They ask us for a wish list,” she said. “We talk to the Seniors and ask them what they’d like, if anything needs to be replaced, or if they have any new ideas on things they’d like to start using. Sometimes, we don’t have the money for it because we have four different Senior Centers.”
She said they recently had a coffee machine break down and needed to be replaced.
“There is always something,” she said. “We may not be able to get them things that are fun and games, but things that are functional. They love their coffee.”
She noted that Seniors play a large role in creating the wish list.
Ventura said people wanting to get involved can volunteer at or join a center.
“We’re always looking for new people to join and new ideas,” she said.
The Seniors continue to be a huge portion of her life.
“We have a group of Seniors who come in, and they’re waiting for their exercise class or whatever to start, and you’re just there to listen,” Ventura said. “Sometimes, they just want some feedback. It makes them feel 500 percent better.”
Marie Moore shared space with her sister and niece and brought housecleaning items.
“We brought clothes, furniture, an end table,” she said.
Rachael Biveault assisted Moore at the event and was happy to help.
“We brought a patio table, LEVELOR doors, and we already sold the microwave,” she said. “We’ve got a wireless router, and we have dancing shoes with sparkles.”
Moore participates with the Lawn Bowlers, saw the flyer promoting the event, and decided to do some housecleaning.
“The Senior Center is a wonderful place,” she said. “They have wonderful activities and make them feel like they can get up and do something today.” Julia wanted to clean out her garage, so she brought things like clothes to the sale.
“A friend of mine told me to participate,” she said.
The Senior Centers, she said, are important to support.
“This is a good cause,” she said.
Julia had no plans to buy more things to fill her garage up with new stuff.
“I haven’t moved,” she said. “I’m staying right here.”
To find a Senior Center, visit oxnard. org and click on Senior
Services under the residents’ tab.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
451 West Fifth Street Oxnard, California 93030 (Production Office)
1000 Town Center Drive Oxnard, CA 93036 (Walk-in & Drop-off) 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 805-983-0015 Fax: 805-512-7103
Press Releases and News Items: news@tricountysentry.com
Advertising & Legal Notices: advertising@tricountysentry.com
Our Hometown DMCA Notices Newspaper web site content management software and services