August 6 - 9, 2026
at the Cumberland Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall (map)
Every year in August for four days, HART’s Yard Sale transforms the 10,000-square-foot Exhibition Hall at the Cumberland Fairgrounds into a treasure hunter’s paradise. Thanks to the generosity of our community, the space is filled wall-to-wall with donated items of every kind—household goods, furniture, collectibles, books, toys, tools, décor, and more.
Best of all, every single item has been donated, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to support the cats in our care and the operation of our shelter in Cumberland.
In 2025, we hosted our most successful Yard Sale yet—raising over $107,000 to provide medical care, food, and shelter for hundreds of cats. Each year, this event grows stronger thanks to the support of donors, shoppers, and volunteers.
Why It Matters
Every purchase at the Yard Sale helps cats in need. From lifesaving veterinary care to warm beds, nutritious meals, and adoption opportunities, the funds raised make a direct and lasting impact on the hundreds of cats we serve each year.
By shopping, donating items, or volunteering your time, you’re not just participating in a Yard Sale—you’re helping save lives.
Donate Items
Stay tuned for donation drop off dates and info.
Every July we begin accepting donations for items to sell at the event (see list of items we accept and do not accept below). Many people collect and hold into items throughout the year until we announce the call for donations.
ITEMS WE WILL TAKE:
We are looking for previously loved yet delicately used:
✔️ furniture (drop off at Fairground only)
✔️ home decor & art
✔️ kitchen gadgets
✔️ small appliances
✔️ clothing
✔️ toys
✔️ tools
✔️ garden equipment
✔️ holiday decorations
✔️ collectibles, vintage and antique items
✔️ books
…and more!
All items must be in good, clean and working condition. All clothing must be in clean and wearable condition. We can only accept working flat screen TVs with remotes and only flat screen computer monitors along with their cords.
ITEMS WE CANNOT ACCEPT:
We’re sorry, we cannot accept the following items:
✗ cribs and car seats
✗ mattresses, box springs, headboards & footboards
✗ any paints, chemicals, or other hazardous materials
✗ fluorescent light bulbs
✗ any appliance with freon
(i.e. refrigerators and air conditioners)
✗ bike and motorcycle helmets
✗ stoves, washers, dryers
✗ large and cumbersome exercise equipment
✗ tube TVs
✗ used pet furniture or used pet toys
✗ broken items
✗ hardwired lighting fixtures
Why We Can't Accept Everything
We are incredibly grateful for every donation we receive. Because our Yard Sale is run entirely by volunteers, every item must be sorted, transported, cleaned, priced, displayed, and, if it doesn't sell, removed and disposed of. Over the years, we've learned which items shoppers are most excited to purchase and which items are difficult, costly, or impossible for us to sell. Limiting certain donations helps us make the best use of our volunteers' time, reduce disposal costs, and maximize the funds raised for the cats in our care.
*Lists subject to change, please review the list before bringing items for donation.
Volunteering
Every year we have a committed group of 100 volunteers who make this event possible.
From event planning, promotion, sorting and pricing items, cooking lunch for volunteers, cashiering and just helping out where needed. Whatever you do, we can guarantee you’ll have fun and feel a sense of accomplishment when you see all your work pay off! We also partner with local businesses and organizations looking to fulfill group volunteer days.
To learn more about volunteering, email: hartofmeyardsale@hartofme.org
Yard Sale History
HART’s Yard Sale has been a beloved community tradition for two decades.
This event is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a gathering of friends, neighbors, and supporters. Some travel from out of state, and many attendees have been coming since the very beginning and return year after year, making it a joyful reunion as much as a shopping experience.
The Yard Sale has also been a gateway into HART for many of our dedicated volunteers, who first discovered our mission while treasure hunting and are now part of our shelter family.
HART YARD SALE TIMELINE
2005: The very first Yard Sales were held—three in a single year!
2006: Scaled back to two events.
2007: Transitioned to one large annual event.
2005–2013: Hosted in the HART parking lot.
2014–Present: Moved to the spacious Cumberland Fairgrounds, where it has continued to grow year after year.
Press + Media Coverage
HART of Maine cat shelter raising
through annual yard sale
WMTW Maine | Aug 8, 2024
Profits from annual yard sale in Cumberland to support animals without forever homes
News Center Maine | Aug 11, 2024
Yard sale at fairgrounds to
benefit HART’s cats
Portland Press Herald | July 24, 2023
Yard sale at fairgrounds to
benefit HART’s cats
Northern Forecaster | July 24, 2023
Cat rescue to benefit
local yard sale
Portland Press Herald | August 29, 2022
Cats-only shelter in Cumberland
yard sale fundraiser
News Center Maine | August 11, 2022
HART’s Annual Yard Sale
Maine Public | 2022