By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— To aid in honoring America’s heroes, the support committee for the Alabama National Cemetery is hosting its first Patriots Rummage Sale April 16-17.

Leading up to the event, volunteers will be collecting donations every Saturday at 3080 Lee Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until April 9.

They’ll be accepting items such as children’s clothes and baby items, linens, decorative items, appliances, tools, sporting equipment, electronics, toys and games, household items and more.

“We need the public to help us honor America’s greatest heroes by donating items,” said event chairman Pam Nichols. “We are accepting all kind of treasures in good condition except for adult clothing and mattresses.”

The two-day Patriots Rummage Sale will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16, and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 17. Admission to the event is free.

All proceeds from the rummage sale will go toward building a scenic overlook at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, a cemetery that serves all eligible United States veterans.

“When built, the Scenic Overlook will provide a peaceful place where people can go to reflect and renew their strength following a committal service, or when visiting the cemetery to honor a loved one or friend who is interred at the cemetery,” said retired U.S. Army Colonel Bob Barefield, chairman of the support committee.

According to Barefield, the support committee was brainstorming ways to hit their goal of $600,000 for the project. One of the members mentioned having some large items that could be donated, and the idea for the rummage sale formed.

As it’s taking place the weekend before Patriots’ Day, he said they decided to call it the Patriots Rummage Sale.  Pelham Mayor Gary Waters donated the warehouse space, and Barefield said the combined effort of many is making the event possible.

“It’s come together in such a way that it has brought unity to the support committee, and it has drawn people in who wouldn’t necessarily gotten on board (otherwise),” he said. “It’s important because it gives visibility to the overlook for people who may not have otherwise known the project is going on or that cemetery is even in Montevallo.”

For information about the rummage sale, visit Facebook.com/scalnc, call 305-9561 or 601-0824 or email honorflightbham@aol.com. For more information regarding the Alabama National Cemetery Overlook Project, visit Scalnc.org/overlook-fundraiser.