After a two-year hiatus, the popular White Elephant Sale at First Congregational Church in Old Lyme is back.

The sale, hosted by the Ladies Benevolent Society of the First Congregational Church, will be held Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9.

This sale is one of the main events on both the town and church calendars. It all starts with the intake period when you can drop off unwanted items at the church from your house — perhaps your basement, attic or closets — or yard.

Garage, tag and rummage sales may be everyday affairs, but few, if any, can match the size and color of this one. The sale items are organized into some 20 departments that fill the church buildings as well as every available space on the lawn.

The sale has grown so large that it has become a true community event since many of the donations are from non-church members and quite a number of volunteers are also from outside the church.

The sale raises a significant amount of money for missions and good works both locally and throughout the world. Some of the beneficiaries include food pantries, health organizations, family support centers, children’s programs, literacy volunteers, affordable housing and disaster relief worldwide.

Intake begins on Thursday, June 23 and runs daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Saturday, June 25. Then there is a two-day break after which intake restarts Tuesday, June 28 through Thursday, June 30, again from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Details of items that will be accepted are on the church website. Note that this year lamps or audio-visual electronics will not be accepted due to space limitations.

The sale itself will be held on Friday, July 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, July 9, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Most departments offer items at half-price on the second day. There may be some mask restrictions on inside shopping.

For more information about the sale or if you would like to volunteer, call the church office at (860) 434-8686 and/or visit www.fccol.org/wes.

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