Kids Kloset Seasonal Consignment Sale Held at Center Island Sports

The Kids Kloset Consignment Sale, Long Island's premier consignment event, featuring over 30,000 quality new and gently used items for babies and kids was held last week at in Ronkonkoma.

It was an opportunity for local families to take advantage of a comprehensive shopping experience for all things kid-related.

Impeccably organized tables and racks filled the large sports center, which was impressively laid out to resemble a retail store.  Toys, clothing, baby equipment and more were on display, and at a deep discount.

West Islip resident Gail Roca is the founder of The Kids Kloset. Her first event, held in April 2008, was a phenomenal success with over 200 consigners and 17,000 items available for purchase, and it has continued to grow every year.

Volunteers help keep the sales running smoothly, along with Roca and her staff, and in return are awarded a pre-show pass.  This pass gives them the chance to shop before the general public, offering them first crack at all the fabulous merchandise on sale at close to 90 percent off.

To consign children's stuff, participants simply register online then enter their items into the online inventory system, drop items off at the location, and get paid in just three days.

"Every item is checked for quality, that all the pieces are there and that there are no rips or tears on gently used clothing," said Roca.

There is also a special VIP pass for military families, teachers and new or expectant parents.

Roca said, "There is a lot of newborn stuff."

The pre-sale was jam-packed with a long line snaking all the way out the door.

As items were rung up they were marked in the consigner's account, and they earned 60 percent of the money paid, while volunteers earned up to 75 percent.

"They volunteer for the money, also the social aspect.  It's like summer camp.  Their kids become play dates; they become friends through this," Roca explained.

Many people both consign their previously used items, and buy new ones, thus ending up breaking even and not having to spend any money.

The consignment event not only helps save money, but also helps save the planet.

"It helps the environment, because it's recycling, keeping clothes out of the landfills," Roca said.

Those giving items have the option to make a profit or donate.

The Kids Kloset supports four community organizations.  Any items that don't sell are then donated to help support the Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center, Inc., The Life Center of Long Island, The Faith Mission Outreach and the Guardian Angel Family.

"[People say] I can donate and save money.  A lot of them are stay at home moms.  It's a win-win for everyone.  Everyone has a good time," said Roca.  "What's nice is that everything here is checked, so it's not like a garage sale ... Lots of people donate stained, dirty stuff.  No children should go through that.  It's not their fault they're in the situation they are."

The event started with 75 consigners, and now has over 600.  The data base has grown to more than 6000 families in just three years.

"It's a seasonal type thing.  They come back; every single time I see the same faces," said Roca.

While consigners and shoppers are not just the underprivileged, and the sale attracts people from all towns and demographics, The Kids Kloset makes the biggest difference to those most in need.

"I get letters that say if it wasn't for this, I couldn't pay my LIPA bill, or I couldn't have a party for my kid.  It's a good way to earn a little cash.  Some do very well.  You can earn a lot of money," said Roca.

The Nassau County event will be held on May 13 through May 15 at The Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale.