Rescuing Families Inc., a Franklin Square-based non-profit that provides free home repairs, modifications and renovation services to families with disabilities and financial hardships, held its monthly garage sale on Oct. 11 and 12, drawing supporters from near and far. Combined with a thrift boutique, proceeds from these events contribute to nearly 40 percent of the organization’s annual funding.
The sales feature an array of items, from household tools to vintage finds. The selection process of donations for sale is straightforward, and items are typically sold for costs that make sense for community members.
“Obviously we look at the item, we do a little bit of research on it, and then we come up with a price that would be feasible that people in the area and community can afford,” said Vincent Centauro, co-founder of Rescuing Families.
According to Vincent’s wife Gina Centauro, the nonprofit’s other co-founder, they can charge a little more for the items in the thrift boutique, because they’re vintage or antique. Customers rarely try to negotiate the price down.
“We get it occasionally, but it’s more or less a charity here,” Larry Jankowski, a volunteer with the organization, said. “The money you’re paying to buy items, you’re giving as a charity, so the prices generally are set for that. They mostly understand that, and they’re okay with that.”
Even with low prices, the thrift boutique made over $1,200 and the garage sale brought in over $700.
Sometimes, the volunteers purchase items that catch their eye. Jankowski said he bought some records and memorabilia from the 1960s World’s Fair.
While many of the purchases come from those who know people in the organization, or those who hear about it on Facebook, a significant portion are from people who walk in off the street.
“I saw the sign out,” said William Gill, a shopper who stopped by. “It was a rainy day. I didn’t think anything would be open, but I drove by, it said garage sale, and I was delighted to find this. Seems like it’s for a good cause. So, I’m ready to spend a little money.”
Approximately 20 to 30 families donate items to the garage sale each month.
“And it’s not always the same families, either,” Gina said.
The sales contribute to a good portion of the nonprofit’s funding, and the remaining 60 percent comes from a combination of other fundraisers and private donors.
“We just opened the mail the other day and got a check,” Gina said, “so we don’t know when any private donations are coming. Grants are also the same thing. We’ll get a grant here or there from bigger companies, but again it’s unpredictable. When we do get it, it usually helps out greatly.”
A recent private donor that prefers to remain anonymous, donated $10,000 to Rescuing Families.
And it’s not just funding that helps the organization run smoothly — it takes significant labor contributions from Gina, Vincent, and many dedicated volunteers. They come in two groups: Those who focus on working on the houses of the families who are being cared for and those who focus on fundraising and organizing.
Currently, Rescuing Families Inc. is working on a home in Valley Stream, owned by the family of Donald Reyes. Work is progressing, but more volunteers are needed for the building project. Renovations will help Reyes, who is wheelchair-bound after being paralyzed in a surfing accident in the 1990s, move easier throughout his home.
“On the Reyes family home, we’re still doing demo,” Vincent said. “We’re looking for more volunteers, more construction, people that are skilled that can help us and move that project further along. But we’re still in the demo phase. So, we’re looking for contractors, handymen, anyone that’s willing and wants to learn — that’s just about everybody.”
In regard to what project may be next in the nonprofit’s future, Gina and Vincent said because there’s more work to be done on the Reyes home, they aren’t ready to choose the next family project yet.
“We’re waiting, because we have a few families that need help, and someone just contacted us recently, and they live locally,” Gina said. “So, we’re going to be interviewing them (to see) who’s next.”
For more about the organization and to learn how to get involved, visit RescuingFamilies.org.
