Toy drives are at their height in December, and this year, Fairhope’s Upscale Resale Market, also called Market 181, in Fairhope, AL is lending a hand to the Great Toy Drive, operated by WKRG-TV News 5. Though market manager Melissa Smith remarks that toys are not the market’s most popular type of merchandise, vendors were enthusiastic about aiding the cause. The market held a special collection on December 1 to help the toy drive. “We have a lot of vendors here who do reclaimed, recycled arts and crafts, as well as handmade items,” Smith says. Hula hoops have been the toy donation of choice, thanks to the efforts of one vendor who specializes in them. “Piece and Hoopiness is the name of her hula hoop company. She brought me this item and I thought it would be a great item for all the boys and girls for Christmas.” The hoops took center stage at the flea market last weekend.
Fairhope’s Upscale Resale Market was established in November 2009 and is open every Friday and Saturday, rain or shine, as well as on the first Sunday of each month. Booths are located both outdoors and in buildings A, A1 and B of Highway 181 Mini Storage. It operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and on Sundays the hours shorten to 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located at 16925 State Highway 181, Fairhope, AL 36532, monthly fees range from $50 to $125 for booths between 50 and 300 square feet in size. More information about the market is available by visiting www.181mini.com or emailing 181marketnews@gmail.com.