De-Clutter and Donate to the First Aid's Garage Sale

Need some room in the house?  Get a start on spring cleaning and throw some support to the Holmdel First Aid at the same time.

The squad's huge annual Garage Sale fundraiser will be held at the Crawfords Corner Road building on Sunday, June 12. The volunteers run the sale with unwanted items donated by residents. Dropoff Saturdays will be from 9 a.m. to noon on April 9, 23, and May 14, 28.   Tax donation receipts are available upon request.

Most household goods are accepted, such as indoor/outdoor furniture, home appliances, lawn and  garden equipment, televisions, bicycles, and children's toys. Books are popular, as are working electronics.

“The best selling items vary from year to year,” said Squad President Mike Nikolis. “The switch to digital photography created a large surplus of unwanted film cameras and film development equipment one year, so you never know,” he said.

What the Squad won't accept are hazardous materials, medical devices (such as crutches or wheelchairs), children's items that have been recalled (baby cribs or clothing for example), or car seats that have been either recalled or involved in an accident.

It takes many weeks for Line officers to sort through the donated goods and put them into categories.

Anything left at the end of the day is donated to Project PAUL  of Keansburg and other charities. “We work hard to make sure nothing of value goes to waste,” said Nikolis.

What began as a modest undertaking has evolved into a major community event. The Squad's first garage sale was held in 2000 and grossed about $400. In 2009, the proceeds yielded nearly $15,000. They now accept all major credit cards, which has boosted sales.  

Inevitably, a few wacky items have been donated over the years – a set of false teeth, used toothbrushes, and a vibrator.

“We just chuckled, then threw them out,” said Nikolis.

In addition to the Garage Sale, the First Aid Squad holds a Wine Tasting event in the summer to help raise funds for necessary equipment.

“Our medical supplies all cost money,” said Nikolis. “We need new stretchers, personal protective gear, extrication equipment, and repairs. Two years ago we purchased a new ambulance which we're still paying off.”

This year, members hope to purchase pulse oximeters, devices that determine the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood and monitor heart rate. Oximeters cost several hundred dollars and one is needed in each of Holmdel's four ambulances.

“So, every penny counts,” said Nikolis.

A happy consequence of the garage sale is that it also brings in new members. “Many Holmdel residents come to buy something, and leave with an application,” he said.

For any questions or for additional information, please contact Mike Nikolis (732) 778-8308 or mikenikolis@gmail.com