Garage Sale
Written by Menadi Dharmabandu
On April 27, 2024, we hosted a community garage sale as part of a Light4Lanka fundraiser, and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful projects I’ve been a part of. The goal was simple: to raise as much money as we could to support two projects in Sri Lanka: installing a clean water filtration system at Mahasenpura Primary School and purchasing school supplies for the Little Flower Center for Special Education.
Planning
Planning the sale took a couple of weeks. We began by reaching out to friends, neighbors, and family members to collect donations: gently used clothes, books, household items, toys, and anything people were willing to give. And the response was amazing.
Slowly, the garage filled up with piles of items, and our team of volunteers began sorting through everything, cleaning, organizing, and tagging them with reasonable prices. We didn’t want to overcharge; the goal was to get things into people’s hands and raise as much as we could along the way.
The morning of the sale started early. Volunteers arrived at 7 a.m. to help set up tables, signs, and sort items into categories so shoppers could easily browse. We even had a small snack and drink stand using extra donations. People began showing up right at 8, and we had a steady stream of shoppers all the way through the afternoon. There was something really special about seeing strangers not only buying things but also asking about what the sale was for. It gave us a chance to share what Light4Lanka does and why clean water and education matter so much, especially in underserved rural areas of Sri Lanka.
Results
By the end of the day, we raised about $400. It might not sound like a massive amount, but every dollar was stretched to have real impact. $271.71 USD of the funds was used to purchase a water filter for Mahasenpura Primary School, which now provides safe drinking water to both students and nearby families. Another $111.21 USD went toward buying essential classroom supplies - things like tape, pencil cases, and scissors- for students at the Little Flower Center, a school that serves children with special needs.
The garage sale reminded me how small actions in our own community can ripple out and make a real difference across the world. It wasn’t just about raising money but rather it was about raising awareness, building connection, and showing that people really do care when given the chance. I'm proud of what we accomplished that day and grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, or stopped by. This is exactly what Light4Lanka is about: bridging communities through compassion and action.
