Garage Sale Raises More than Ten Grand for Hurricane Relief

As the weather grows colder in Northeast Ohio, garage sale season is winding down, but that didn’t stop the residents of Bay Village from holding a community-wide garage sale during the first weekend in October.

Proceeds from the sale of the hand-me-down duds, forlorn furniture and unwanted weed-wackers went to the American Red Cross, to help fund disaster relief efforts following one of the most active hurricane seasons on record.

Sales totaled more than $10,000.

“So many people wanted to help, but didn’t know how,” said Bay Village Mayor Paul Koomar.  “Then Annie came up with the idea of holding the community garage sale.”

Annie Nock, a former attorney and current stay-at-home mom, said she wanted to raise money to help people who have been affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

“Annie’s effort, and the generosity of the people of Bay Village is truly humbling,” said Mike Parks, CEO of the Northeast Ohio Region of the Red Cross.  “The proceeds from this community-wide effort will help people who have suffered greatly this hurricane season.”

Annie helped present a check for $10,154.73 at Bay Village City Hall.

“It’s very difficult to travel south to help the people affected by the hurricanes,” Mayor Koomar said.  “This was a way to give back.  The support was overwhelming.”

With the emergency phase of the Red Cross response completed, efforts are now focusing on long-term recovery programs to get people back on their feet.  If you’d like to help people recover from disasters, big and small, donate at redcross.org/neo, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.