When a Simple Garage Sale Became Something So Much Bigger

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

- 2 Corinthians 9:7

What started as “just a garage sale” turned into something so much more beautiful than we ever expected.

Our girls had been talking about having a garage sale for months—dreaming up what they could sell and imagining customers stopping by to find their little treasures. When the opportunity finally came, they were so excited.

They spent hours cleaning out their rooms, sorting through toys and clothes, carefully deciding which things they were ready to let go of. Soon our hallway downstairs was full of boxes, bags, and piles of things that were ready for pricing for the sale. 

As they began planning what treats to bake and how to set up their tables, they also started talking about what they might do with the money they’d earn. They were wondering how they would divide it between them, but then Leah, our oldest daughter, said something that changed everything.

“What if we give it all to Hope Heals Camp?” she asked.

Hope Heals Camp is a camp for families experiencing disabilities—an incredible place our family volunteered at last summer. The moment Leah said it, the other girls lit up. “Yes! Let’s do that!” they said, their excitement growing by the minute.

From that point on, the garage sale wasn’t just about clearing out clutter—it was a mission.

They went back to their rooms, searching for even more things to sell. They brainstormed new ideas—more treats to bake, fruit punch to make, ways to decorate their table to catch people’s attention. There was a new joy in their work. Giving had replaced getting, and it changed everything.

The night before the sale, they could hardly contain their excitement. They set up their tables, arranged items neatly, and made colorful signs. Their laughter filled the air as they prepared, eager to see what God would do.

And then the morning of the first day of the sale came.

From the first customer to the last, it was pure joy. The girls beamed as they told people who stopped by their tables, “We’re raising money for Hope Heals Camp—it’s a camp for families with disabilities!” You could see hearts soften and smiles spread as people listened. Many of them gave extra or simply donated some money just because they were touched by what the girls were doing.

Even friends from far away joined in—one friend who saw my post on Facebook sent a Venmo donation all the way from another state!

Throughout the day, the girls waved at cars driving by, smiled at customers, and offered cookies and cups of fruit punch. It was one of those days that makes you stop and thank God for how He works in the hearts of children.

By the end of their little garage sale, they had raised $550—all for Hope Heals Camp.

When they sat down to count the money, their faces glowed with joy and gratitude. Not once did they express regret about giving it all away. Instead, they talked about how fun it was, how kind people were, and how amazing it felt to give. Two of the girls even wrote heartfelt letters to include when we mailed the check to Hope Heals, sharing why they wanted to help.

Watching their excitement and generosity filled my heart in a way I can hardly describe. In a world that so often encourages kids to focus on themselves, seeing them choose to give freely was a glimpse of God’s Kingdom at work—simple faith lived out through childlike hearts.

Sometimes, the most ordinary moments—like a neighborhood garage sale—become reminders that God can use even the smallest hands to do big things for His glory.

Some Reflective Thoughts

This experience reminded me of such an important truth—everything we have belongs to God. Every toy, every dollar, every bit of time and energy—it’s all His. We’re simply stewards of what He’s entrusted to us.

As Christian parents, we have the beautiful opportunity to help our children see that truth lived out. When they give freely, they begin to understand that generosity isn’t about losing something—it’s about reflecting the heart of a generous God who has already given us everything in Jesus.

Our giving becomes an act of worship—a way of saying, “Lord, what’s mine is actually Yours.” And when our kids experience the joy of giving, they catch a glimpse of the joy that comes from holding loosely to what’s theirs and offering it back to Him 

May we raise children who hold their blessings loosely, who see what they have as a gift from God, and who find joy in using it to bless others—just as He has so generously blessed us.

Watch a brief video about this story on YouTube here. 

Learn more about our time volunteering at Hope Heals on our blog: A Week That Changed Us: Our Family’s Time at Hope Heals Camp