Troy Smith has gained insight and understanding about Juvenile Diabetes thanks to his participation in the Charity Yard Sale, hosted by Republic Finance, Rockmart.

The company annually supports fundraising efforts that benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Traditionally, teddy bears can be purchased and funds donated to the charity.

Smith said staff first presented the idea of sponsoring a yard sale in 2010. Two weeks later, he and other volunteers were sitting in front of the business at 1332 Chattahoochee Drive greeting people who had come to be a part of the event.

That year, the local office raised more than $3,300 for Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. The total in 2011 was $3,688.

The company reported $139,747 was donated in 1910 and $161,670 in 2011.

Prior to the first yard sale, Smith said he did not know so many people have been diagnosed with diabetes. Once he started campaigning for the event, he quickly discovered he wasn’t aware of the statistics.

A number of people shared their experiences during the yard sale, but Smith remembers one that touched his heart.

A woman called and said she had some items to donate. She said she thought it was a great cause but did not have any money.

However, she did have clothing she wanted to give.

Smith learned that she had a child with juvenile diabetes and heard how it had affected the entire family.

In addition, a man donated $50 that had lost several toes due to the disease.

“Every fourth person told their story of having diabetes or a family member, friend or acquaintance had been diagnosed with diabetes,” Smith said.

Later, he discovered his late grandmother had diabetes, and that his father and grandfather also have the disease.

“Since I got involved in this charity, it has opened my eyes to how people are affected,” he said.

Smith and his staff will once again host a Charity Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, Sept. 8, at Republic Finance.

Donations of clothes, toys, tools, furniture, sports equipment and similar items are now accepted. The idea is to clean out your garage and help a great cause.

For more information about how you can help support the yard sale, contact Page Dunn at 770-684-8382.

All proceeds will go to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has funded more than $1.5 billion in research. More than 80% of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education.