Outgrown clothes can help community

Children are always growing, which puts parents in a tough spot. What do you do with the clothes your children have outgrown, and where do you get new clothes without spending a fortune?

Just Between Friends Spokane is helping parents through this dilemma and is giving back to the community as well.

Families with clothing and other kid items they wish to sell can become consignors and earn 70 percent of each item sold at the second Just Between Friends consignment event this weekend at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

Any unsold items may be donated to the family programs of the Salvation Army, such as Sally’s House, a home for foster children waiting for permanent homes. That way, consignors get the benefit of clean closets and the warm fuzzy feeling of contributing to the community.

Although the Salvation Army doesn’t normally make pick-ups on Sundays, the organization will make an exception to collect unsold items.

Pennie Woods, who co-owns Just Between Friends with her daughter, Kara Twining, said that last year’s donation to the Union Gospel Mission was quite a success, with approximately 90 percent of the consignors donating their unsold items after the event.

“It was an enormous truckload,” she said.

Items for sale include maternity clothes, toys, furniture, baby equipment, books, DVDs, software and clothing in infant to junior sizes. All at bargain prices. The sale will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St.

The deadline to register to sell items is Wednesday, and tickets to the sale are available at the door. The cost is $2 for adults and children are admitted free. The tickets are good all weekend.

For more information, call 255-JBFS, or visit www.jbfsale.com.

Paint-a-Helmet

Also at the fairgrounds this weekend will be the Spokane-area Kiwanis clubs’ annual Paint-a-Helmet event. Children who are accompanied by an adult are invited to pick out a free bicycle helmet, have it properly fitted and then decorate it how they wish. The event will feature clowns and other entertainment, educational booths and child safety seat inspections. The event will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

Spring Break activities

Spurs & Skirts youth square dance club is offering a Spring Break Blast Class today through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Western Dance Center, 1901 N. Sullivan Road.

Kids ages 10 to 18 can go from beginning dancers to mainstream dancers in one week. The cost is $20 per person or family, and students are asked to bring a sack lunch. For information, call 921-1116.

Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts of America has expanded into Orient, Wash. The group had its first meeting on March 23 and plans to meet weekly at Orient Elementary School.

They are also participating in the cookie sale. Girls ages 5 through 17 are invited to join.

For more information, call the Orient School at (509) 684-6873.