GULF SHORES, Ala. — The gigantic 26th Annual Gulf Shores United Methodist Men's (GSUMM) yard sale will be Feb. 12 in the church auditorium between Winn-Dixie and Family Dollar on Highway 59. Doors will open at 8 a.m. and close at 1 p.m.

The GSUMM Fellowship is accepting contributions and donations of usable (used or new) items: collectibles, treasures, working electronics or machines, dishes, books, knick-knacks, crafts, prints and paintings, furniture, computers, tools, kitchen appliances and wares,  printers or whatever else that you have stored and no longer need in your garage, attic, closets or cabinets. We request items be brought to the church auditorium on Feb. 10 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. or pick-up before then can be arranged by calling 251-968-8980.

Net proceeds from the yard sale go towards church and community projects and programs.  2010 yard sale proceeds went to the local Boy Scouts, Christian Service Center, Salvation Army, Upper Room national prayer line, Habitat for Humanity, Sheriff's Youth Ranch, Youth Reach, Big Fish Youth Ministry, United Methodist Children's Home, Stop Hunger Now and other GSUMC ministries.  More than $50,000 has been contributed to similar ministries since 1985.

The first few annual yard sales were held in the smaller north parking lot.  After getting rained out on some occasions, it was moved to the church fellowship hall until it started growing beyond expectations. Needing much more space, the 2009 sale was moved to the present two-acre auditorium site. Chairman and organizer of the first yard sale Ben Briggs said, “Don't ever say an item won't sell. You would be amazed at what people will buy.”

You never know what you will find at “the” yard sale. Joe Garris, Sr., who has been involved in the sale for many years remembers a boat and trailer being sold. For a bargain price, you may find that needed refrigerator, washer/dryer, nice furniture, antiques, golf clubs, fishing/sporting equipment, housewares, or priceless collectible and the list goes on.

This year we received an extraordinary contribution of four walking sticks crafted and hand-carved by an anonymous donor. The donor sold one of his walking sticks for $50 and donated that amount to the GSUMM yard sale.

People often ask what happens with items not sold at the yard sale.  While every attempt is made to clear the house, the remaining “treasures” are given to the Local Boy Scout Troop 49 for their yard sale on Highway 59 north of the bridge at Scoutmaster Dr. Lyle Cooper's parking lot one Saturday later.

Floyd Williams is the Chairman of the 2011 event and can be reached at 251-968-8980 for information.