Published: December 06, 2008 11:36 pm      

Used-toy sale plays to buyers, sellers

The good news: Someone cared enough to hold a used-toy sale so that all good children could have a merry Christmas.

The bad news: That the souring economy made it necessary.

Several hundred people swamped the sale of lightly used and new toys Saturday at the former Visitation school in Johnstown.

“We were absolutely mobbed this morning,” organizer Cynde Smith said. “People were lined up, waiting outside the door.”

“The sale is being held to make sure every kid has something under the tree,” she said.

“Middle-class families are struggling. Just because you’re middle class doesn’t mean you don’t need help. Not everyone qualifies for Toys for Tots and other programs for the low income (families).”

Judging by the suggested 10 percent donated to the church, Smith estimated that $2,080 in toys were sold – mostly at 50 cents to a buck or two per item.

She said buyers benefit from the bargains, sellers gain by getting a little extra for the holiday, and the church earns a little.

Co-organizer Judi Lansberry teared up.

“This little grandmother said, ‘I never knew I could get this many gifts for my grandchildren,’ ” Lansberry recalled.

The tables held everything from board games to trucks, dolls and stuffed animals. Even bicycles.

People walked out with bags and bags of stuff.

Patti Price of Johnstown and her daughter, Kelly Byer of Windber, found plenty of customers at their table.

“The sales were wonderful,” Price said, saying that the stuffed animals were big sellers.

“We’re going to go home tonight to see if we have more toys for Sunday’s event.”

Byer said they made about $40 or $50 by selling toys her two girls had outgrown or no longer play with.

Donna Scarff of Johnstown had a table – and also became a buyer herself.

“I got a $30 kite, brand new, for $5,” she said.

Scarff also couldn’t resist some fancy princess dresses that she bought for her granddaughters when they play dress-up.