NORTH BRUNSWICK – With more than 1,000 items sold and hundreds more donated to a nonprofit, a consignment fair organized by Lynn Heuer and Susan Chinchar can be considered a success.
Jersey Kids Consignment held a fair April 29 to May 1 at North Brunswick Fire Company No. 3 on Cozzens Lane. Consignors were able to sell items for babies and young children, such as clothing, high chairs, pack-and-plays, bedding, sports outfits and toys that were new or gently used.
“It makes us feel that what we wanted to do, we did. Everything fell into place,” Chinchar said. “People really took the time to make sure somebody wouldn’t be disappointed.”
Some of the items that were sold were a $300 stroller for $30, a $200 sandbox for $40, and a $130 climb & slide for $45.
“The need is there. People truly like to recycle and reuse … and people know items don’t belong in landfills anymore,” said Heuer, a Milltown resident. “This exceeded my expectations. We had people coming back two or three times. … We are so humbled by this.”
Many of the items that were not sold were donated to Bebe BELL (Baby Equipment Lovingly Loaned), a program of the Anshe Emeth Community Development Corporation (AECDC) in New Brunswick. Bebe BELL provides cribs, car seats, strollers, high chairs, diapers, baby wipes, baby food, blankets and hats to those in need in the community.
AECDC member Eric Arbitblitt, of North Brunswick, met Chinchar when she donated a bassinet, clothes and formula to the organization three years ago.
“I was thrilled that people like Eric were willing to not only put their time out there but physically … see if they could help,” Chinchar, an East Brunswick resident, said.
Arbitblitt purchased items for the families Bebe BELL serves, including a few bassinets, bathtubs, some clothing, as well as several crib mattresses and sheets, strollers and bouncer seats.
Well over $1,000 worth of clothing and shoes, crib bumper sets, infant toys, baby bottles, a baby gate, a few more bathtubs and bouncer seats were donated to the organization after the consignment fair. The items will be used in circumstances such as premature babies being released from the hospital earlier than expected, young parents with no family support, clients who have fled abusive situations, and grandparents taking care of young grandchildren.
“Bebe BELL and its related programs for the elderly and disabled is supported by grants from public and private sources,” Deborah Cherniss, president of Bebe BELL, said.
“There are two paid full-time bilingual Spanish-English staff who provide services directly to clients, but volunteers do all administrative work. In other words, we have a very small budget, about $100,000 annually, through which we respond to about 2,000 requests a year. The consignment fair means we are able to provide for more young clients, and to do so with clothing and equipment in excellent, like-new condition,” Cherniss said.
In addition to some individual families who received donations, Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick received a large bin of books for the children’s ward.
Chinchar and Heuer also thanked all of the people who volunteered, as well as members of North Brunswick Fire Company No. 3 who helped out and put their fire trucks on display for the children who accompanied their parents.
Another consignment fair is planned for early fall.
For more information and updates, visit www.jerseykidsconsignment.com.
Contact Jennifer Amato at [email protected].