Volunteers taking a break from a busy day. From left: guest, Lois Fitzhugh, Debbie Imlay, Carol Spiker, Elise Spleiss, Shellie Kniffin. Seated: Kathleen Crane and Lana Crum. Photo by Thomas J Sullivan

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Citrus Heights Women’s Club had its first Boo-Tique rummage sale on Saturday Oct. 31 at the Sylvan Community Center. Don’t let the name fool you. There were so much more than fall and Halloween goods. This sale took the word “rummage” to new heights. After four hours setting up the night before with many helpers, members were ready except for last-minute preparations, for the onslaught of expected customers.

As expected, bright and early, even before 8 a.m. folks were waiting for 9 a.m. to arrive. A steady stream of customers arrived including a few cute canine shoppers, until just about closing time.

With so many assorted items from every category imaginable, every table plus two more from the Veterans Community Center across the street was full. It was a labor of love.

As expected, bright and early, even before 8 a.m. folks were waiting for 9 a.m. to arrive. A steady stream of customers arrived including a few cute canine shoppers, until just about closing time. Photo by Elise Spleiss

Many came with a very specific shopping list, others just browsing and waiting to be surprised. And they were. Even though items were marked with a price, it turned out shoppers were piling up their loot, so it turned into “grab a box and fill it” process. The cashier would round up the amount and take payment. Customers were reminded all their purchases are donations which go towards programs and other causes within Citrus Heights such as children, seniors and others. Knowing 100% of all money collected was going back into the community even prompted some to grab a few more items they had been eyeing.

A myriad of categories including wall 2027 calendars, Christmas items, artwork, two tables of toys, animal items including food, toys and cat litter boxes, Halloween costumes, many beauty products, tools, books, vintage lamps clothing, knick knacks, jewelry personal care, auto, kitchen, an eight-piece comforter set, and blankets. There was also a lot of “what is this” items. Even hula hoops! Some came looking for Halloween and a few came in looking for Halloween decorations and costumes.

Two kid’s tables full of toys, and other fun gift items disappeared fast but were replenished as soon as other donations from community arrived.

When at a sale it’s important to look in corners and on floor for items being overlooked by many. The one dream item you have been looking for could be hiding there waiting for you to claim it.

Stopping to talk to shoppers can also be a nice surprise as all have interesting lives. Jolene visiting from Grass Valley lives in a “mice friendly home” after her cat was caught playing with a mouse it had found. After saving it she ended up with three more mice roaming her home, despite her seven cats.

Brother and sister Aniya and Kiro, stopping in from Palo Alto in the Bay Area found the perfect Pikachu costume for Kiro for Halloween. One of the most interesting costumes was of that of a full green fighter pilot outfit with a patch reading, “United States Fighter Weapons School.”

 Aniya and Kiro visiting for the day from Palo Alto. Photo by Elise Spleiss

In the end it was a successful event. Not just monetarily but in meeting new friends This year's success was due in part to support from our friends at Sunrise Christian Food Ministry plus the Veterans Community Center across the street, who stepped in to fill some last-minute needs. Our ability to serve the Citrus Heights community is a group effort. Everyone benefits when we work towards a common goal, together. 

Overall, feedback was positive. Shoppers were surprised and happy that there was so much of a selection of items for all family members, from vintage items to baby and children’s items. Many said they would be looking for our ads in 2027. Another success was that the sale brought in three new prospective members eager to share fresh ideas and their own experiences.

The Citrus Heights Women’s club (CHWC) is a nonpartisan, volunteer service organization affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s clubs (GFWC) Membership is open to all women looking for a place to make friends, serve their community and try out new skills they didn’t know they had. Our mayor, MariJane Lopez-Taff is a member. Working closely with the city they do outreach to fill new and reoccurring needs all year.

CHWC meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Sylvan Community Center at 7521 Sylvan Drive. For information about joining contact [email protected] or call 818-667-7311. All are welcome!