Timonium Consignment Shop 'Sidewalk Sale' Benefitting House of Ruth

Local business owner Lisa Hudson says the Wednesday after Labor Day is her “very, very most favorite” day to work, and that’s not just because it’s a good shopping day.

Wednesday marks her shop’s annual , which for the last nine years has benefitted the House of Ruth of Maryland.

. has for the last 22 years donated 100 percent of proceeds on this day to a Baltimore charity that helps women and/or children.

The $125,000 that has been collected over the last two decades has gone to such charities as the South Baltimore Homeless Shelter, The Children’s Guild, Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and Turnaround.

“There is a greater need in our community, beyond our own,” Hudson, who co-owns the shop with her sister Cara Derr, said.

Clearing House contributed $12,000 to House of Ruth of Maryland in 2011 alone, Hudson said.

“In this economy, budgets have been tightened and programs have been cut. We really should be looking to how we can support our community,” Hudson said. “If we want a strong community we need to support each other. I think any organization can find a way to get involved in local charities.”

Clearing House was founded not far from its current Padonia Road location 32 years ago by Hudson’s mother.

The sale became the solution to the problem of Clearing House collecting too many household items that were left by clients at the consignment shop.

So 22 years ago, the shop began selling its abandoned furniture, china, crystal, jewelry and household items at “yard sale prices,” Hudson said.

The result today is a prime shopping experience that benefits a local charity, helps shoppers who are on a budget and keeps a local business afloat in a difficult economic climate.

The sale takes place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 200 West Padonia Road.

Are you going?

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