Everyone loves a great deal and the United Way of Quinte is hoping that our local passion for shopping savings will help pay for much needed local programs and services.

The annual United Way of Quinte Sale runs on Saturday May 5 at the new works yard on HWY 28 in Bancroft. The sale has a $2 admission fee and it runs from 9 to 3pm.

Judi Gilbert is the executive director of United Way Quinte and she's excited about the sale and its new date.

"This used to happen in February but we moved it to May so it would be more comfortable for those standing in line," Gilbert says. "We want it to be more bearable."

Gilbert is excited about the sale for a few reasons. She recognizes that with the support of Proctor and Gamble, local folks can stock-up on favourite products for great prices but also that all the money raised goes to the United Way and will be used to support our local United Way agencies.

The United Way collects funds through on-going campaign efforts and then the funds are distributed to agencies that apply for funding. When you give to the United Way, they ensure the funds go where they are needed Gilbert says.

"All money raised in North Hastings stays in North Hastings," Gilbert says.

And on top of what we raise locally, the United Way is also topping up the amount with additional support for our agencies.

Locally last year, not including the sale, we gave under $20,000 to the United Way.

They gave back $131,000.

The United Way supports agencies through the region but in Bancroft their agencies include the North Hastings Community Trust, Maggie's Resource Centre, The North Hastings Childrens Services, Families First, Bancroft Community Transit and now, for the first time, The North Hastings Community Cupboard has received funding from the United Way.

Gilbert is trying to create more awareness for the United Way. She's also trying to find ways to generate more financial support and she hopes the positive experience of the sale might be a great way to build on this local relationship.

Products offered at the sale will be from brands like Olay, Amers Sport (previously Wilson), Gillette, Downy, Febreeze and other recognized household brands. There will also be diapers and batteries.

Shoppers will be asked to line-up at the works yard and then fill out a shopping form. Volunteers complete the order and everyone benefits.

The sale is cash only.

"This is an important part of fundraising towards our annual achievement," Gilbert says. "It's also an opportunity for us to talk to people about who we are and what we do. These are difficult times for many people and we benefit greatly from the products from Proctor and Gamble. It's nice to be able to pass on the savings and we put the money towards our 2012 goal."

Gilbert says shoppers can expect between 50 to 70 per cent off products at the sale.

Doors open at 9am on May 5 and all funds raised support our local United Way funded agencies.