Tommacenia Sumlin is still glowing over how she earned some holiday money at a flea market that helped her afford Christmas gifts for her children and even get ahead on some bills.
For this Boutte parent, this is an exciting achievement because holiday cheer and gifts can be hard to come by when raising two toddlers, (a boy and girl), alone.
“I’d do it again if it ever came up again,” Sumlin said of participating in the recent flea market coordinated by the nonprofit organization called Assistance for Single Parents. “It was really quick and easy, and really smooth.”
When the flea market idea first came up, Sumlin said she was nervous. But soon after lining up her booth for a low fee at the United Methodist Church in Destrehan, she realized this was also a way to work with her children. It got even better when Assistance for Single Parents (ASFP) provided the 18 participating parents with pizza and even coats for the ch1ildren.
“It was really helpful for the holidays because I was able to get the kids’ biggest gift out of the way, which was a tablet, and I’m so grateful,” Sumlin said. “It was also fun. I got rid of stuff we didn’t use anymore.”
More than 300 shoppers poured into the indoor flea market from 8 a.m. to noon, said Debra Rieder, the organization’s executive director. Volunteers helped stage the market, which still grew a healthy crowd despite a little rain, all to help single parents raise a little extra money for a typically difficult time of the year. Participating parents raised a $50 to more than $300.
According to Rieder, the community was equally generous in helping make the flea market a success with assistance from Waterford 3, Coca-Cola, Kentwood, Tasha Bourgeois with Premiere Lending, Winn-Dixie, Sam’s Club and St. Charles United Methodist.
“The community was great in donating so many items to ASFP from yard art to photo printers to Christmas decorations, bedspreads, curtain, beautiful pictures, and clothes with tags still on them.”
All unsold items were donated to the ARC of St. Charles.Sumlin also agreed the market’s timing was important for her family.
“It felt good to have the extra cash,” she said. “The bills are normally due around that time.”
Sumlin also really appreciated everyone working together.“That flea market was amazing,” she said. “My kids enjoyed the space. Overall, it was a great experience. If I was told, ‘We’re doing another one,’ I will say, ‘Sign me up first.’”
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