Give a gift of love by buying something for yourself, your family or a friend at the 77th annual St. James White Elephant Sale, Sept. 18 to 20. The sale takes place at St. James Hall, 7776 Eads Ave., La Jolla (corner of Eads and Silverado). The annual White Elephant Sale benefits local, national and international nonprofit organizations. Not everyone is called to help homeless children in Mexico, the homebound elderly, refugees throughout the world, or work to help after a disaster like Katrina — but through the St. James by-the Sea White Elephant Sale, the money raised helps take action and speak for all who care. Items in the sale include furniture, artwork, jewelry, holiday, linens, shoes, accessories, antiques and collectibles, books and wide array of “golden treasures,” as well as clothing for men, women and children. “We price our items to sell and raise funds for our many organizations,” said Nan Thomas, co-chair of the 2009 White Elephant Sale. “We have blouses starting at $4, skirts and slacks starting at $6, dresses and jackets starting at $10, plus many more items.” The best time to shop is Friday, Sept 18. This is First Choice night, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. First Choice night requires a ticket, which can be purchased in advance at the St. James Gift Shop, 743 Prospect Ave., adjacent to St. James by-the Sea Episcopal Church. Advance tickets are $10; tickets at the door are $15. This includes complimentary wine and cheese. This night only 20 percent is added to the item’s listed price. Sale hours on Saturday, Sept. 19 are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, the hours are from noon to 3 p.m. This is half price day. Most items are half the listed price; there are exceptions, which are noted in the departments. From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. there is a $5 bag sale. Customers pre-purchase a paper grocery bag for $5. With the exception of some items, they can place as much as the bag will hold. However, if a bag is overflowing the person must purchase a second bag. Proceeds from last year’s White Elephant Sale were distributed to more than 24 nonprofit groups and organizations. Some of those receiving funds included Episcopal Community Services, Dorcus House, Microcredit, Episcopal Relief & Development, Meals on Wheels, Christie’s Place, Monarch Schools, Juvenile Hall Literacy program, St. Lukes Refugees, George G. Glenner Family Centers for Alzheimer’s, the Heifer Project, All Saints Elementary in Bontoc, Philippines and Holy Innocence Children’s Hospital in Uganda. Last year more than $30,000 was raised. Check out the website, www.sjbts.org, for information and some of the items for sale.