Super Yard Sale shoppers not deterred by rain

Eager shoppers turned out Friday, despite threatening rain clouds, for the first Super Yard Sale held at the Red Star Baptist Church Activities Center at 1316 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau. The sale was held by the Missouri Mentoring Partnership and will continue from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.

The yard sale was held indoors to prevent pop-up showers from spoiling the event. Proceeds from the sale will help cover operating expenses for the Missouri Mentoring Partnership, said Charles DiStefano, the program's director.

"The money helps keep the doors open," he said.

The group's budget, like many not-for-profit agencies, has been cut because of the struggling economy. The money earned provides parenting classes and incentives to their young members, said Nikki Wolfe, Bollinger County youth specialist.

Space for the sale was lent by Red Star Baptist Church. "Red Star has been a huge support to us, letting us have these sales," DiStefano said. Little Lambs, which holds a biannual children and family item sale and an annual adult item sale, donated merchandise. All of the merchandise is on consignment and anything not sold is donated to the Missouri Mentoring Partnership for its sales, DiStefano said.

Members of the program were given the opportunity to shop the day before the sale using something called Mommy Money and Daddy Dollars, DiStefano said. Keeping a job, attending classes or getting good grades in school earned the incentive dollars.

"We don't give handouts," Wolfe said.

The money the members earn goes toward an education in budgeting. She knows how the system works. "I was in the program myself," she said. She eventually was employed by the Missouri Mentoring Partnership and said she now gets to give back.

The opening hours of the sale were designed to give working shoppers who normally would have missed it a chance to come by after work. "That is the way sales are going now," Wolfe said.

Jennifer Brown bought some books. "I'm on my break," she said before heading back to work.

Danielle Cox, who has a newborn son, was there shopping with her grandmother, Shirley Buck. Danielle just became a member of the program.

"I'm very thankful for the program," she said.

Buck said she went to the program for help after learning about the new baby. She collected clothes and other small items, but they were still in need of a crib and big items.

Those wanting to donate items to the Missouri Mentoring Partnership can call their office at 332-0066.