Turning trash to treasure

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Yard sale season begins after Memorial Day at Dover Air Force Base, Del., and Deborah Augustine, Eagle Heights community director, has some advice on hosting a successful sale.

"Yard sales are a great way to keep items circulating through the Air Force family," said Ms. Augustine. "They keep goods out of the dumpster and in the hands of those who might need them."

Though anyone can host a yard sale on their property, there are several guidelines base housing residents must follow.

The sale cannot extend onto a neighbor's property or onto the sidewalk and signs advertising the yard sale cannot be posted.

"The reason for the restrictions placed on yard sales is for the safety of community members, particularly the children," said Ms. Augustine. "We can't have drivers being distracted from the road."

Those who wish to host their yard sale on the Community Center's yard may coordinate with staff to do so. Furthermore, to solve the conundrum of how to get the word out, the Community Center may assist people in advertising their sales through an online service.

"The 'Contact Us' link on www.doverfamilyhousing.com will allow people hosting yard sales to advertise on our community calendar," said Ms. Augustine. "They are also welcome to advertise in the base newspaper."

With multiple avenues for advertisement, Dover AFB residents can publish the time, location and goods to be sold, to servicemembers and the local community. Therefore, people who are new to Dover AFB, or simply on the hunt for good deals can know where to look for upcoming sales.

"Yard sales are a great way to find furniture, tools and clothing for new residents on a budget," said Ms. Augustine.

In addition to individual sales, yard sale patrons can look forward the Outdoor Yard Sale event taking place from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. May 21 at the Air Mobility Command Museum. Several sales will be featured at this event, and shoppers can expect a variety of goods to be on display.

With all the opportunities afforded to Dover AFB residents, anyone can turn a run to the dumpster into a run to the bank.

"The old saying 'one man's trash is another man's treasure' certainly holds true here," said Ms. Augustine. "I encourage all base members with unwanted items to pass them on to a family who needs them."