By B.C. Manion
Double-digit unemployment and record foreclosure rates are only two of the symptoms of the nation’s derailed economy.
The strain on charitable groups is another telltale sign of today’s tough times.
The Lutz Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, which is preparing to hold its annual flea market, has felt the pinch during the past two events.
In years past, the event has raised more than $10,000 but during the past two sales, the proceeds have been just over $7,000 each year, said Pat Serio, co-chairwoman for the annual Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club flea market.
“We need some help from the community as far as our donations,” Serio said.
Preparations are already underway for the event, slated for March 4-5 at the Old Lutz School Building, 18819 N. US 41.
About 60 volunteers are involved in the effort. Some haul bulky items, such as couches, to the sale. Others get items ready to sell, prepare foods to sell at the concession stand or work the event.
The flea market dates more than 20 years. It is the woman’s club’s second biggest fundraiser of the year, second only to its Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival held annually at Lake Park.
The club uses the money the flea market generates to help pay for community events, such as the Fourth of July parade and the Easter egg hunt, and to support a wide range of community causes and organizations.
Groups it supports include:
Little Women of Lutz
Lutz and Land O’ Lakes volunteer fire departments
Friends of the Library
Lutz and Land O’ Lakes Friends of the Park
Old Lutz School Building
Christian Social Services
Metropolitan Ministries
Angel Unawares
Scouting troops
The club also provides scholarships.
Donations can be dropped off at the Old Lutz School Building on Mondays and Wednesdays in February from 9 a.m. to noon.
The group will provide pickups for items that are too large to carry, but donors must schedule those shortly before the event because of storage issues, Serio said.
In addition to helping various organizations, the event also is a good place to find a great deal. Every year, there are people in need who come to the flea market, Serio said.
“They count their quarters. They really think about their dollar purchase,” she said.
There’s also great variety for those who enjoy hunting for treasures at flea markets, she added.
“Every year, you never know what to expect. We get all kinds of things,” Serio said.
Items sold at the market include clothing for all ages, toys and games, house wares, linens, garden tools, coffee makers, electric mixers, cookware, home décor items and sporting goods.
Antiques, vintage items and collectibles are displayed together in the Museum Room and furniture and heavy lawn equipment are sold outdoors, under tents.
Donations are being accepted on Mondays and Wednesdays in February from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Lutz School Building, 18819 N. US 41.
If you would like to schedule a pickup of a large donation, or would like more information about the flea market, call event chairwoman Phyllis Hoedt at (813) 949-1937 or co-chairwoman, Pat Serio at (813) 948-4752.
