Yard Sale brings bargains, promotes Net Zero 2020

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Story by Sgt. Samuel Northrup

Date: 04.12.2014
Posted: 04.17.2014 10:20
News ID: 126424
Hunting for bargains

FORT HOOD, Texas – The sun’s rays barely made it above the horizon as people carefully placed items to be sold on the tables and tarps. The air was still moist and cool as hand-written price tags were affixed to treasures that were long hidden with other everyday household goods.

People from on and off post began trickling in; some of them were looking for collector’s items, others came for the low priced clothes, children’s toys, household goods, and coffee. This is was Fort Hood yard sale held April 12 at the Fort Hood housing areas.

“It is a great way to get a good price on everyday items, such as the car radio that I bought for $5, ” said Glenn Zevallos, a collector and yard sale enthusiast. “You can find all sorts of items such as antiques, heirlooms, bikes, old Tonka Toys from the 50’s, basically belongings people have been taking from house to house with every move.”

Collectible items such as model cars and magazines are among the many items Zevallos searches for. For him, on-post yard sales can offer some unique items since many military members have been stationed overseas.

“I think military family bring treasure from all over the world and from all corners of the United States,” said Martie Carter, a volunteer with Bob’s Diner, a garrison chaplain office youth ministry program. “It is almost like a bazaar where you have venders from all over the world. I think it is a great opportunity to find some nice cultural pieces for your home; you are going to find things that you would not find at a normal yard sale.”

Tracy Foster, a Directorate of Public Works employee, said the yard sale was a good opportunity to get rid of clothes and other household items that other families would find useful. It is a way to create space without creating waste.

“I think it is a good point to try to repurpose items in a sale rather than just throwing it all away,” said Carter. “This way we can bring out those items to someone else who really has a need for them.”

“Some of these families who are just starting out have a limited income and this is a great opportunity for them to not pay as much for the things they need,” said Carter. “People are getting rid of the things they do not need in their home anymore, other people can pick those things up for a very low price; it is win-win for everyone.”