The Animal Care Center of St. John will host its annual feal market on Saturday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Winston Wells ball field in Cruz Bay. While the event is still two months in the future, ACC volunteers are collecting quality, clean, unbroken merchandise now.
In order to offer the wide variety of goods at reasonable prices at “No Fleas, Please,” volunteers must dedicate their time to assemble a large selection of household items, tools, sporting equipment, furniture, decorative items, clothing and books. Every dollar collected at the flea market goes directly to caring for the island’s homeless dogs and cats.
Thanks to the generosity of the Caneel Bay Resort, a 40-foot container has been donated for permanent use by the ACC. The container is located on the Gifft Hill School property thanks to the kindness of the school. The container is currently only 50 percent full of goods to sell at the flea market.
ACC board of directors member Oriel Smith has offered to pick up any large donated items to be stored in the container until the day of the flea market. He can be reached to arrange pickup at 643-2998.
A handsome collection of furnishings from Gallows Point resort has already been collected, including a glass top dining room table with four chairs, two end tables, a double-size headboard and several mattresses.
St. John villa and resort managers frequently refurnish their properties, meaning tropical-themed chairs, mirrors, lamps, tables and decorator items in excellent condition are usually available at the flea market.
Smaller items can be taken directly to the shelter on the library road in Cruz Bay. Shelter administrator Sally Nelson and kennel technician Kimber Marnen can accept these items on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Once again, Storage on Site will donate a small container, conveniently located close to the shelter’s entrace, to store small goods. The ACC greatly appreciates the generosity of Hank Slodden, who has always been a faithful supporter of the shelter by donating two color pages of ACC information in the front of the St. John Phonebook each year and by helping with the flea market storage and transportation.
The ACC is an approved 501(c)3 charity, and significant items donated to the flea market may be considered charitable deductions on federal income tax returns.
Further information about the flea market will be published in St. John Tradewinds over the next two months.
