Consignment sale plans two new community projects

Teresa Bozzano and Jacqui Fields had each just given birth to their third child in 2004 when the two friends decided to launch a consignment sale business together.

Back then, there weren't any consignment sales in their part of southern Wake County or, for that matter, consignment stores. Both had collected a fair amount of clothing, gear and toys for kids that they wanted to get rid of. And Bozzano said it just wasn't convenient driving the 20 miles or so to Raleigh to participate in the consignment sales there.

Just 4 Kids started small, but has grown steadily each year. Today, they have about 1,000 regular consignors who sell their items at one or both of Just 4 Kids' sales each year. This season's sale will be held at Life Spring Community Church in Fuquay-Varina from March 1 to March 3.

After some big changes during last season's sale - accepting credit cards and launching a computerized system for consignors - Bozzano and Fields are planning some more.

A local childcare center will be providing free drop-in child care during two of the sale's busiest times - 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 1 and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 3. Moms can drop and shop, so to speak, thanks to Johnson Pond Learning Center in Fuquay- Varina.

Bozzano and Fields also have two new community projects planned as well.

After one of their families was touched by cancer, they saw a need to stock the family rooms at Duke University Hospital's oncology floor with items for family members who are waiting for news, to meet with counselors or to catch up on sleep. Just 4 Kids will be collecting old magazines, coloring books, paperback books, card games, crayons, board games, markers and packaged snacks to donate to Duke. If enough items are collected, they'll work to stock other parts of the hospital, including Duke Children's.

They also are asking shoppers and consignors to have their kids make a card to brighten the day of an elderly person and bring it to the sale. The cards will be delivered to a local assisted living facility. The best card maker will get a $10 BounceU gift certificate.

Just 4 Kids is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 1 through March 3 at Life Spring Community Church in Fuquay-Varina. Check the website for details. And watch the video to hear more from Bozzano and Fields.