The American Red Cross’ parking lot in Bremerton will be closed to motorists next Saturday, but it will be open to shoppers.

The American Red Cross is hosting its first-ever rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 28 at its office on 811 Pacific Ave. in Bremerton. All proceeds from the event will go toward the Red Cross’ youth program.

“The youth are really enthused about it,” the area’s American Red Cross Youth Program Manager Jackie Fojtik said.

The young people involved with the American Red Cross program decided a rummage sale would be a great way to raise money.

“This is the first time for the rummage sale,” said Amber Rock, an AmeriCorps volunteer working with the youth program. “We’re hoping to make it an annual event. We’ll see how well we do this year.”

The American Red Cross youth program travels to various schools and after-school programs to teach basic aid to students. The youth program currently works with North Kitsap and South Kitsap schools, but plans to expand the program to other school districts next year.

Money raised at the American Red Cross rummage sale will go toward funding the training and trips to various schools.

“It covers the costs for that program,” Rock said.

Next Saturday’s rummage sale will be in the parking lot of the American Red Cross’ Bremerton office. Rock said the rummage sale will include a variety of items ranging from clothing to other small items.

“There will be a little bit of everything,” she said. “I imagine there will be a lot of clothing and household items.”

People can donate new and gently used items to be sold at the rummage sale next week, Monday-Thursday, at the Bremerton office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

“Just our volunteers alone cleaning out their garages will help us out a lot,” Fojtik said.

All unsold goods from the rummage sale will be donated to Abraham’s House in Bremerton.

“So nothing will go to waste,” Fojtik said.

The American Red Cross will host other events to raise money for the youth program including a McTakeover July 9 at the Silverdale Way McDonald’s. The Red Cross also is selling small first aid kits, breathing barriers used for CPR, sewing kits and other items to raise money for the youth program.

“Between all of our different fund-raising projects we’d like to raise $15,000 — that’s the Youth Corps’ goal,” Rock said.

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