Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Blackville Town Councilwoman Ann Pernell assists yard sale buyers on one of the town’s coldest mornings.
Uncommon for the south, bitter cold winter temperatures that dropped down into the low 20’s, didn’t stop community-minded residents from their united cause of raising money for Macedonia Elementary-Middle School (MEMS) students.
Long-time Blackville Town Council member Ann Pernell and Barnwell County educator Felicia Summers Kinard recently came together for the purpose of organizing the Saturday morning fundraiser. Its purpose was to raise money for snacks and supplies for classroom students during April’s upcoming statewide testing and, personally, from her own sales, other programs in which Pernell donated.
Prime location table spaces were rented for $25 each and collections supported the cause. All monies from the sale of personal items were kept by the sellers.
“Felicia approached me with the idea. Since the economy is currently so tight for teachers and parents and I love kids and Blackville schools; I wanted to help them as much as possible. I thought it was a great idea. The mayor agreed and approved our request,” Pernell said.
The yard sale began at 8 o’clock on Main Street in Blackville on the morning of February 4, across from the Enterprise Bank. While defying the weather and darkness before dawn, Pernell said, “I was out there setting up by 6:30.”
And what a great set up she had! Pernell and the other half dozen bundled up vendors who braved the cold had an abundant supply of this, that and the next thing. Tables featured baked goods, furniture, home and garden supplies, toys, clothes, shoes, makeup, accessories, and so forth.
An additional half dozen sellers were signed up to participate, but, understandably, the bitter cold temperatures were a deterrent. Still, the day was a success for the cause as they raised over $200 for donations. Pernell said, “We’re planning to have another community yard sale in May and possibly more beyond that. As long as it’s helping me to help others, I will continue to do it.”
Pernell expressed her devotion like this. “I believe with all my heart we’re put on this Earth to do for each other. To encourage, uplift and serve one another. It just breaks my heart when people just think all about themselves and not their fellow man. I just don't get it.”
She continued, “I was really touched by the last customer of the day. An elderly couple showed up and the lady bought the majority of clothes I was selling because she said she ‘has two to three families [she helps out.’ By helping her out; I cut her a good deal, she could help them out. That’s how we all can make a difference. I’d say at least six out of ten customers were buying for someone else and that’s what it’s all about.”
The community of Blackville seems to be a magnet town for people caring about one another. This was evidenced when “a kind lady who we never met before, showed up and brought hot coffee and opened up her restrooms for us,” Pernell said.
Shellie Bumgarner and her husband, Neil, recently relocated to the area from North Carolina and purchased the historic Farrell O’Gorman House on Main Street in Blackville; directly across the street from the yard sale location. Pernell said, “She (Shellie) was so happy to see us out there. She was so excited and supported us with that hot coffee and kindness.”
Yes, commUNITY efforts like these will never cease to make even the coldest of days warmer.
