What is a church sale?
Also called: church rummage sale, jumble sale · Used in United States, Canada and the United Kingdom
A church sale is a sale of donated household goods, run by church volunteers to raise money for the church or its charity work. It is the same event as a church rummage sale or a British jumble sale: members give the goods, volunteers price them low and the money goes to the church.
What it actually means in practice
Church sales are usually held in the church hall or basement, once or twice a year, and often run alongside a bake sale. Because everything is donated, prices are low and the aim is to clear the tables by the end of the day.
Many end with a bag sale, where buyers pay one price to fill a bag in the final hour. There can be a queue before the doors open, so regulars arrive early for the best furniture, books and kitchenware.
Related terms
Find one near you
Every church sale posted nearby is on one map, sorted by distance, with dates, hours and photos. Hosting one yourself? Posting is free and takes about two minutes.
Need the rules rather than the words? Permits and signage by state. Back to the full glossary.