Calling all hoarders: the Train Smoke Task Force is asking you to unload your stuff for a good cause.

On Sat., Sept. 19, from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. the Southside Neighborhood Association will be hosting a yard sale fund-raiser in the Building Specialties parking lot, 270 E. 8th Ave.

Participants can rent a parking-space sized spot for $5 ($10 day of) and are being asked to donate 10 percent of proceeds to the Train Smoke Mitigation Task Force.

“What we’re trying to do is show community support to help with getting grants for the new scrubber installation,” said Task Force member Sarah Wright. “We’re not asking people to give us everything, but just a little bit. We’d be psyched to see a lot of small donations, everything adds up.”

Last week, the Task Force announced plans to update and enlarge the train’s current scrubber system. The design will be done using $44,000 in federal and matching grants from the City of Durango, La Plata County and the D&SNGRR. However, installation of the system will likely require even more help in the form of grants. “When you go after these grants, they ask you to show the community is committed,” said Laura Lewis, of Region 9, who was instrumental in securing the recent grant. “We thought a yard sale would be an easy event for southside residents to participate in.”

In addition, there will also be a silent auction, and yard sales are encouraged city wide with a suggested donation of 10 percent of proceeds. Wright also said anyone not wanting to participate can drop off “clean, well-organized and valuable” goods for donation the morning of the sale.

To donate items for the silent auction, call Wright at 259-1544. To reserve a space for the yard sale or to volunteer, e-mail jessey_tase@yahoo.com.

– Missy Votel