PHOTO GALLERY: Community Fundraiser Draws Record Crowds

More than seven years after Community Thread's first 'Baubles and Bangles' used jewelry and bake sale, the annual event is drawing crowds and raising money in record numbers.

Held in August every year, the proceeds from all sales go to Community Thread and keeping its programs affordable for seniors.

"This is one of our biggest events of the year," Volunteer Center program director, Lisa Joyslin, told Patch. "All of our staff come together for this."

Community Thread staff usually begin accepting donated items for the sale in March or April. But due to an outpouring of community support for the event, this year's sale is bigger than ever. 

"The size of this (Baubles and Bangles) is more than triple the size of the first one in 2003," Senior Center director Karla Bataglia said. "But we always appreciate donations; We are always looking."

The popularity of the event is growing at a similar rate. 

In fact, according to Bataglia, when she arrived at Community Thread at 7:45 a.m. Thursday morning, 65 people were already eagerly awaiting the 9 a.m. opening. 

Despite the expanded size of this year's event, the 2012 Baubles and Bangles promises to be at least as big. 

"Unlike in year's past, we already have a huge supply of donations for next year," Bataglia said.