Why is the quality and quantity of items at rummage and white elephant sales decreasing?

Question

Every year I go to this one particular church's "attic & cellar sale." In years past they had the whole parking lot full of tables of stuff to sell as well as a few rooms in the church itself, and it was good quality like depression glass, collectible china like Wedgwood, knick-knacks, cookware, household things, new carpeting, furniture and clothing, etc. I was appalled this year. There were only 3 or four tables of stuff and it was broken toys and plastic ice cube trays and paperback books with the covers ripped off. No furniture or clothes or antiques. And it just isn't this church either, although it is an extreme example. I have noticed a gradual decline in the quality and quantity of donated items. I have even called churches that I know have upcoming white elephant sales and offered to donate items from my house, but they either don't return my calls or promise to come but never show up. What gives?

Answer 1

times they are a changing,
People realize that were going to go through some really tough times soon keeping most of the good stuff may get them some foods for the stuff so they are keeping it, in some parts of the world your rich if you have a place to lay your head and food to feed your children, buying stuff is just a weakness if you attend those types of sales its for the poor and the needy not the greedy, so the next time you go give a little you cheapo. OH by the way bring the stuff to them they most likely dont have a car.