By Brock Weir

Book lovers know that neither rain nor sleet can keep you from a book sale – but ice storms? The Aurora United Church Women were not so sure.

They needn't have worried; customers turned out in droves last April to stock up on their spring and summer reading while helping several local community groups in the process. This year, as they gear up for another book sale next Saturday, they're hoping Mother Nature will be back on their side.

The Aurora United Church Women are once again gearing up for their fourth annual Spring Book Sale, which will take place in the atrium of Trinity Anglican Church this Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

With stock based entirely on community donations, which will be accepted at Trinity on April 5 from 4 – 7 p.m., and April 6 from 8 – 10 a.m., the sale will offer a wide selection of second-hand paperbacks and children's books at low prices.

“We were amazed last year because our Book Sale was on the same day as the tremendous ice storm back in April and we figured it was Game Over,” says volunteer Kathie Blackman. “But we were surprised by the number of people who came in and ended up making just about the same amount that we did last year.”

Fellow volunteer Anne Ella-Arnold says their objective is twofold – one is fellowship and the other is outreach.

“We would like to bring in enough to support at least four of the charities that we normally support every fall, and more would be terrific,” Ms. Ella-Arnold explains. “The reason for our sale is to raise funds, but it is also for outreach to allow inexpensive books to be purchased by the community. We purposely have it on the same day as our Rise & Shine Breakfast (a meal geared towards community members in need) so that breakfast patrons can come here and shop at the same time. Of course, we also do it to keep ourselves visible in the community and we do it for fellowship.”

Charitable organizations regularly supported by the Aurora United Church Women include the Aurora Food Pantry, Aurora Historical Society, Blue Door Shelters, the Camping Opportunities Fund, Gran Aurora, Hope House Community Hospice, Inn from the Cold, L'Arche Daybreak, Milkbags Unlimited, Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers, Sandgate Women's shelter, United Church of Canada Mission & Service Fund, The Women's Centre of York Region, Women's Inter-church Council – Fellowship of the Least Coin, Yellow Brick House, and York Region Street Outreach Crosslinks Housing & Support Services.

Each donation received on the afternoon and evening of April 5 and on the morning of April 6 will help make a difference for many of these groups.

Donations paperbacks of all genres, including children's books, are welcome – particularly non-fiction. Hardcovers are respectfully declined due to storage and handling challenges.

Volunteers, including high school students, are also welcome to get involved and time contributed can be counted towards high school Community Service hours.

For more information, contact Laurie Graham at laurie2graham@gmail.com.