As a JLW New Member, this was my first experience with Tossed & Found, a giant rummage sale benefiting JLW’s literacy community programs. When I arrived for my three-hour work shift at the Tossed & Found space in the Crystal City Shops in Arlington, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of donated merchandise: linens, books, children’s items, furniture, holiday décor, handbags, clothes, clothes, and more clothes!

During my volunteer shift, I worked in three different areas: pricing items in the children’s area (The JLW Tossed & Found Committee has created an amazing children’s boutique in this space!); sorting linens, and helping sort and merchandise holiday décor items. It was fun to see all of the donated merchandise and learn what a significant impact Tossed & Found has on the JLW’s mission and its community partners. I was also impressed with my volunteer shift partners who had incredible hidden talents in organizing, merchandising and pricing these items!

Leaving my shift, I was amazed at how the vast assortment of donations was transforming from “piles of stuff” into a thoughtfully designed shopping experience.

I was there to work, but I was definitely scoping out some of the great items on hand! If you’re looking for some new handbags, beach reads, holiday decorations, home accessories, or children’s clothing – you won’t want to miss JLW’s 20th Annual Tossed & Found General Shopping Days: Saturday, March 24 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, March 25 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)!