VIDALIA — Virgie Jackson spends all year preparing for one event.

Every year, the 92 year old, along with the help of family members, pulls out her bins of clothes hangers and tables for her annual two-day yard sale.

The entire family pitches in items for the yard sale, and they spend all year collecting and setting aside items to sell.

When The Dart landed on Cedar Street in Vidalia Friday afternoon, it found Jackson and her daughter Jo Ann Gardner in the midst of Day 1 of the sale.

Jackson’s yard was buzzing with liveliness as passers-by parked their cars on the street and made their way to peruse the racks of clothing for men, women and children, shoes, dishes, housewares, furniture and other items for sale.

The hive of activity is Jackson’s favorite part of the sale.

“It’s fun,” Jackson said. “It’s good to see new people and meet people and visit with them.”

Jackson watches intently as curious shoppers browse the dozens and dozens of clothing items hanging on racks in the yard. She likes to see what they’ll pick out.

“We just sell all those for $1 each,” Jackson said, pointing to the clothes. “We don’t bother with pricing, we just say, ‘They’re all $1.’ People can afford to pay $1. There’s no use in putting $5 on there, and then just having to put it back in the house because no one will buy it.”

The sale is not really about the money. Jackson doesn’t even keep it.

“She gives it all away,” Gardner said. “That’s just how mother is, she likes to help people.”

In this case, the money will likely help a granddaughter buy a prom dress or pay sorority dues, maybe a fishing pole for a grandson.

“What do you think I could need the money for? Nothing,” Jackson says, laughing. “I’d rather let the kids use it all or help them buy something they need.”

Gardner said she enjoys helping her mother with the sale because it brings her mother joy every year.

“Happy mother, happy daughter,” Gardner said.

From getting groceries for a neighbor or visiting folks at the hospital or nursing home, even at 92, Jackson keeps herself busy.

“If you sit on the couch, you’ll die,” she said, laughing. “I don’t think I am ready to leave this world yet, and I’d like to do some good while I’m still here.”