Cars, shoppers and Salvation Army supporters crowded Broad Street Saturday to look for bargains and put money toward a good cause.

The yard sale, Major Eric Roberts said, was an effort by the organization to boost its capabilities to help people in the community. Though the sale started slow, it picked up later in the morning.

“We were really slow in the morning, but it picked up,” he said. “We are excited to see how it comes out.”

The Salvation Army, Eric said, uses fundraisers like the sale to try to stay current with funding for demands. At the end of the summer there is usually a lull in donations and more bills that come in. In the summer months, air conditioning and water bills rise, making things difficult for everyone.

“People come in asking for assistance with different things and sometimes we just don’t have it to give,” he said. “With the economy the way it is, we try to give everything we can. It has put us behind a little bit.”

The sale, he said, helps them keep up with those expenses and provide more assistance.

The group is also planning a barbecue sale in October.. Major Tonya Roberts said there will be a sale Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Plates include a barbecue sandwich, chips, baked beans, and a snack cake.

“If people want to purchase plates of $5 or more we will deliver them if they let us know in advance,” she said.

The sale will be at the 2104 Franklin St. location.

The fundraisers, Tonya said, are important because they allow the Salvation Army to put the money back into the community.

“All the money comes back to the Salvation Army to benefit the community,” she said.

“We do character building programs for kids, we do a women’s ministry, we have a nursing home ministry, and social services.”

For more information, call 872-1646.