By Danielle Rexrode
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Move over, Goodwill! Charlestown’s Treasure Sale may give you a run for your money. The adage “everything old is new again” rings true at this indoor flea market in Catonsville where shoppers and sellers alike reap beaucoup benefits.

It’s a bargain hunter’s dream come true: rows of tables overflowing with gently used clothing, jewelry, books, housewares, collectibles, and furniture, among other treasures. For three days, four times a year, more than 300 volunteers who live at Charlestown work the tables selling items. And each year the Treasure Sale raises more than $100,000—with 100% of the proceeds going to charity.

‘Carnival-like atmosphere’
“It’s fun work,” says Lib Leech, one of the Charlestown residents staffing the linens table. “We laugh and joke and get to know the other volunteers. It’s almost a carnival-like atmosphere.”

As Charlestown celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Treasure Sale dates back nearly as far; it began in 1986. “The Treasure Sale was actually the brainchild of someone who still lives here,” says Tammy Collier, Charlestown’s  philanthropy coordinator. “It started out in one hallway and eventually got so big, we now have to hold it in the conference center.”

At the end of each Treasure Sale, volunteers pack up all unsold items, which are then donated to AMVETS, and the whole process starts all over again. “Nothing goes to waste,” says Leech. “Sixty percent of the proceeds go to Charlestown’s Benevolent Care Fund, which assists Charlestown residents who need long-term care but have exhausted their assets,” says Brad Andrus, director of philanthropy at Charlestown.

“The rest is divided among Charlestown’s student scholars program, Chapel Concert Series, Renaissance Gardens, library, media room, and staff appreciation fund.”