BUMC Whale of a Sale Scheduled for Last Week of July
By Julie Perine on July 06, 2026
With literally something for literally everyone, the Bridgeport United Methodist Church Whale of a Sale is set to run July 24-25 and 27-28 at the church located at 251 Worthington Drive.
In recent years, the sale has raised in the neighborhood of $15,000 to $20,000.. A profitable sale is important because all proceeds benefit local organizations and charities including Bi-County Nutrition, Burlington Family Services, Challenger League, Clarksburg Mission, Duff Street/Stealey Food Pantry, Genesis Youth Center, Harrison County CASA, Health Access, Heart & Hand House, Hope, Inc., House of the Carpenter, Open Heart Ministries, Salvation Army, Scott's Run Settlement House, Shepherd's Corner, Tyrand Parish, UMCOR, Upshur Parish House, WVU Cancer Center, Parkersburg Rehab Facility, scholarships for local seniors, the Joyful Noise Preschool program and various mission trips.
The 2025 sale was a very successful one.
"Because of an increase in our profit last year, we were able to increase some of the amounts that we give to charities," said Cheryl Bramble, one of the organizers. "We also assisted a young single mother with car repairs and a Ukrainian family with legal expenses."
Besides monetary donations, the project helps people in so many ways.
"Last year we helped someone affected by the flooding in Fairmont with household items and furniture, we sent children's clothing to Taylor County for a back-to-school event, gave a missionary who goes to Africa men's dress shirts that he supplies to men entering the ministry there," Bramble said. "We also gave belts and some other items to a gentleman who helps the homeless. We sent socks to the Mustard Seed and various items to Shepherd's Corner."
Items left from the sale are donated to The Clarksburg Mission and Goodwill. .jpg)
Church volunteers have been collecting items since May and, as always, church and community members have been generous. Everything from housewares and small appliances to toys, clothing, jewelry, and holiday decor has been donated. The preparation takes several weeks and lots of hands.
"It takes a team of wonderful women (and a few men) to make this sale a success," Bramble said. "We have worked since May 1 getting everything organized and priced. This year - although I think I say it every year - we have exceeded the amount of donations we have received."
The Whale of a Sale is truly a community effort, and BUMC is thankful for those who donate and shop. This year, the church installed a chair lift allowing better access to those who are unable to take the stairs.
The sale will be open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25. Closed Sunday, the sale resumes on Monday, July 27, which is half-price day and concludes with “bag day”, 9-11 a.m. on Tues., July 28. On that day, shoppers can fill a kitchen trash bag for $5 or a large outdoor black trash bag for $10.
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