DICSA will host a rummage sale fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 621 N. Hooper St. in Kingsford, in the rear warehouse of the Denim Heart Thrift & Pantry.

“All the money raised will go to support the many programs and services we offer,” DICSA Executive Director Kristin Sommerfeld said.

The non-profit agency focuses on improving quality of life for residents through a variety of programs, including nutrition services, transportation, weatherization, seniors in-home services and the Family Ties Adult Center. The organization also assists vulnerable populations throughout Dickinson and Iron counties.

Sommerfeld said community needs have increased in recent years as household costs continue to rise.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency Executive Director Kristin Sommerfeld and summer intern Kensie St. John organize a table of puzzles and vinyl records for Saturday’s rummage sale fundraiser. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“We have had to contend with higher operating expenses while funding has stayed the same or decreased over time,” she said. “Hosting fundraisers like this rummage sale will give us unrestricted money, which will be able to go to assist with things like purchasing food for the food pantry.”

The fundraiser grew out of a need to reduce the large number of items that had accumulated in storage over the years.

“I thought this would be a good opportunity to move things out, while raising needed funds,” Sommerfeld said. “Staff has also donated items for the rummage sale.”

Shoppers will find a wide variety of merchandise, including household goods, home decor, furniture, craft supplies, tools, exercise equipment, a grill, tires, dehumidifiers, fans and air-conditioning units.

According to Sommerfeld, the sale also includes a number of unique items not commonly found at a typical rummage sale.

Among them are specialty catering dishes and supplies, double convection ovens, a chocolate fountain, beverage dispensers, a fireplace insert and vinyl baseboard materials.

“We have a lot of Christmas decorations,” Sommerfeld added. “We also have all the carnival games and decor from our annual Halloween event we hosted annually.”

In addition, the sale offers many pieces of office furniture and equipment, including filing cabinets, shelving units, keyboards, copiers/printers, chairs and desk sections.

DICSA also has a large number of coolers available in various sizes.

“We have kept the prices low in hopes of moving everything out,” Sommerfeld said. “It will be very nice to earn a little money to assist with other programs.”

DICSA will accept cash, credit and debit cards.

The 906 Pop Culture Dirty Soda Company truck will be on site with a variety of beverages for customers. DICSA also will sell popcorn and lemonade during the event.

The Denim Heart Thrift Store will be open during the fundraiser, giving shoppers another chance to browse clothing from infant through adult sizes, shoes, accessories, household goods and toys.

“This is an extra day for the store, as they are usually closed on the weekends,” Sommerfeld said. “It also gives community members a chance to get some great deals inside the thrift store.”

Sommerfeld emphasized that DICSA is not accepting donations specifically for the rummage sale.

Denim Heart accepts donations from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Updates on donation needs are posted on the DICSA Denim Heart Thrift & Pantry Facebook page.

Regular thrift store hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays.

The pantry is open from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Anyone needing assistance can apply online at www.dicsa.org or visit the DICSA office in person from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1238 Carpenter Ave. in Iron Mountain.

For more information, call the main office at 906-774-2256.

———

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.